Passion prevails as ever at the San Siro

The Milan-Inter rivalry is so deep and tense among the fans that it effortlessly remains a focus of mass emotion.

As the two clubs prepare for tonight's Champions League quarter-final - their second encounter in Europe's premier club competition in less than two years - its significance is compounded by Milan's quest for a repeat of the 1993/94 league and European Cup double.

Inter, on their part, are in search of a much-awaited first victory after a barren run of nine consecutive derbies (three draws and six defeats) against their bitter city neighbours.

Attempts to play down Inter's underachievements in the Serie A this season will fail to convince.

The Nerazzurri, together with Juventus and Milan, were expected to pull away from the other sides and turn the championship into a three-pronged race.

However, the 2004/05 season was not too much old when Inter were already out of the running.

Many were of the opinion lately that looking at the quality of the two squads very little separates the two teams.

But, in my opinion, a sound defensive cover and an incredibly strong team spirit are two key factors that should give the defending Italian champions an edge over Roberto Mancini's Inter.

Even the neutral fan could have identified the impact of these two elements when Milan beat Inter 1-0 two months ago.

It was evident that Massimo Moratti's decision to let Mancini complete his coaching apprenticeship at a club with great ambitions such as Inter has undermined his team's aspirations.

Fans' loyalty

Inter fans stand out on the fact that although each year they lay huge expectations on the team, at the same time they are admired for the way they accept disappointments as long as they see commitment from the players in their bid to chase glory.

To be fair with Mancini, apart from a poor start to the season, his team has regaled the fans with various exciting performances. Inter are still on course for a dual challenge in the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.

Some Inter supporters, sharply critical of Mancini not so long ago, are now of the idea that the former Italy international has settled well into his job and is trying to give his team a tactical system that maximises the proven strengths in his squad.

This, inevitably, has injected more confidence into the players.

Inter know only too well that tonight's clash offers them the chance to avenge the elimination from the 2002/03 Champions League at the hands of their rivals.

Failure to eliminate Milan will condemn them to another disappointing season.

Milan-Inter is not a Champions League quarter-final like the others. The unique atmosphere will be as tense as ever at the San Siro.

Up to ten or 20 years ago, the idea that Italian players could be so outnumbered in Milan and Inter teams would have been dismissed as pure fantasy.

But that is a reality now and the fact that such a change has not diminished the tense atmosphere such traditional fixture produces has struck many.

The fans feared that with so many overseas players in the sides, the derby will suffer a dip in popularity and the passionate allegiance at the San Siro could wane.

But in truth, derbies in Milan continue to instil a great fever thus keeping intact the traditional rivalry between these two Italian giants.

Derby Analysis...

Milan

Strengths: A potent mix of growing confidence and mental toughness. Milan's victory against Roma in their last league outing was the culmination of a remarkable eight-match winning run.

This, coupled with Juve's poor form in February, has seen the Rossoneri back in contention for the scudetto. When the going gets tough, old hands such as Paolo Maldini, Cafu and Clarence Seedorf come to the rescue.

Hernan Crespo continues to thrive as Milan's lone striker and Jaap Stam has recaptured his old authoritative form thus making Milan's defence impregnable.

Weaknesses: When facing Inter these past few years, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has set his formation in a way as to soak up the pressure and hit on the break. On many occasions, the move worked wonders for Milan.

Today, since Milan will be hosting the first leg, they may have to open up more than they would like to in search of a win.

Motivation: For the second time in less than two years, the winner of a Milan derby has the Champions League final within their reach. Buoyed by a strong squad, Milan stand a good chance to emulate their League and European Cup double of 11 years ago.

Tactics: Ever since Shevchenko has been sidelined, Ancelotti deployed a prudent 4-3-2-1 module.

The results are by Ancelotti's side in that Milan, though not as exciting as last season, have been going from strength to strength on all fronts.

Crespo has been in splendid form lately and thanks to his decisive goals, Shev-chenko's absence went unnoticed.

But, with the return of Shevchenko - top marksman in Serie A last season - will Ancelotti stick to his module or revert to 4-4-2?

Inter

Strengths: Inter are hungry for success. The scudetto has been eluding them since 1989. Following a stuttering start to the season, Inter were left with a mountain to climb and recover lost ground with Juventus and Milan.

Despite remaining unbeaten for months, they were never in contention for the league. If Inter are to win any silverware this season, then they have no other option but to focus on the Champions League... or the Coppa Italia.

Weaknesses: Having to do without Brazilian ace Adriano, at least for the first leg, represents a huge loss for Inter.

They do not possess the same classy players as Milan and their porous defence has continued to leak soft goals even lately.

Compared to their illustrious neighbours, Inter are less experienced when it comes to handling key matches.

Motivation: Inter badly need to put an end to a nine-match negative streak against Milan. Bowing out of the Champions League semi-finals two years ago has left the fans seeking revenge.

The last time these two rivals met in the Serie A, Inter suffered their first and only defeat of the season. No matter how much their heavy artillery pummelled the Milan defence that day, Inter seemed unable to find a way through.

Tactics: Mancini will stick to his tried and tested 4-4-2 system. Cristiano Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso will be deployed in central midfield to limit the operate of Andrea Pirlo and Kaka.

With Adriano out, Christian Vieri and Obafemi Martins are likely to start.

Two years ago, Inter were undone after failing to score in their 'away' tie with Milan. With this in mind, Mancini may deploy a more attacking formation.