ROME: As derbies go they don't come much bigger than AC Milan and Inter but Friday's clash promises to be more electrifying than usual with as many subplots as the Da Vinci Code.

Inter enter the febrile atmoshpere of the 80,000-seater San Siro at a time when both sides are embroiled in a tense stand-off to secure the last automatic Champions League spot.

AC approach the high security fixture in the driving seat, lying second, seven points behind leaders Juventus with a two point advantage over Inter.

And they could hardly have asked for a sterner test of their mental and physical ability ahead of next week's Champions League semi-final first leg tie against Barcelona.

The match has been brought forward 24 hours to allow AC more time to prepare for the Catalan giants' visit.

Inter cross the city still in shock following last Saturday's attack on some of the players at Malpenza airport by masked fans angry at their side's Champions League loss to Villarreal.

The local authorities have organised an early kick-off in a bid to reduce the risk of trouble.

But Kaka, AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder, reckons everything will be all right on the night.

"The Inter players are going through a difficult time, but I don't think they'll take it out on us by turning nasty on the field."

Kaka, who scored a hat-trick in his side's 4-1 win over Chievo last weekend, added: "I also doubt there will be any more violence in the stadium, because the last time there was trouble during the Champions League quarter-final, Inter paid a very heavy price with three games behind closed doors.

"It should also be noted that not all Nerazzurri fans are like the ones who attacked the players."

He believes Friday's fixture has all the makings of a true classic.

"This is going to be a spectacular game. Both teams have strong motivation to win, so if we go out there with the right aggression and score early, we can put Inter under some serious pressure.

"They're struggling at the moment and we could take advantage of that."

Inter turn up not only smarting from being dumped out of Europe and that airport assault but also with a cloud hanging over Adriano who has only scored three goals in Serie A this season and who was reportedly involved in a brawl with teammate Juan Sebastien Veron after the Villarreal match.

Kaka told his club's website: "Dida (AC's keeper) spoke to him on the phone and, speaking as a friend, I say too much responsibility has been put on Adriano's shoulders.

"He is capable of taking them on, but it's excessive to blame him for their current situation."

Inter team news centres on Julio Cruz, who is suspended after getting red-carded against Ascoli, while Veron and Jose Ze Maria are both out of commission with injury.

Source: China Daily