Inter Milan vs AC Milan preview - Roberto Mancini wants to see a strong start to season from Inter Milan

Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has stressed the importance of winning Sunday's derby against AC Milan because of the need to build momentum.

The Nerazzurri have won both of their games so far, edging Atalanta 1-0 in their Serie A opener before prevailing 2-1 at promoted Carpi prior to the international break.

"We need to give continuity to our results," Mancini said to the Italian press.

"The first six or seven games of the season are always about adaptation.

"But it's important to start well in order to gain confidence as the season goes on."

The two Milan sides that have made heavy summer investments following last season's disappointing results which saw both sides miss out on European competition.

The best way for Inter to hit back is to be a serious title contender.

"The Scudetto?," Mancini said. "Every team can think big and so can Inter.

"To achieve this, we need to work very hard."

AC Milan have great hopes this season after spending more than 91 million euros reinforcing their squad.

The Rossoneri appointed Sinisa Mihajlovic as their coach to replace Filipo Inzaghi, who was sacked after last season's 10th-place finish.

Mihajlovic, a former assistant to Mancini at Inter, endured a disappointing start with a defeat at Fiorentina but the Rossoneri bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Empoli last time out.

"In recent seasons, Milan hasn't been Milan," Mihajlovic said. "But we are convinced that we will be among the contenders this season.

"We have to do better in our next games and I'm sure we will make up for things in the derby."

Mihajlovic is expected to hand former Inter player Mario Balotelli his first appearance since returning to the Rossoneri club on a one-season loan from Liverpool last month.

However, Balotelli, who scored 26 goals in 43 appearances for Milan during his first tenure, is unlikely to start with summer signings Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano set to lead the Rossoneri up front.

Milan are without midfielder Andrea Bertolacci, who is out with a thigh injury.

Inter will not have Joao Miranda, with the Brazilian defender having sustained a knee injury while on international duty.

However, Inter will be bolstered by the return of Mauro Icardi, who has recovered from a thigh injury sustained against Atalanta.

Icardi, who is set to partner Stefan Jovetic in Inter's attack, will have plenty of motivation to score on Sunday.

The Argentinian forward has not hit the back of the net against Milan during his three seasons at Inter.