Sergio Conceicao insisted AC Milan’s motivation to win the Coppa Italia does not come from spoiling neighbours Inter’s bid to win the treble.
Milan are ninth in the Serie A standings, out of the Champions League, and well off the pace to qualify for next season’s competition.
Meanwhile, Inter are top of the domestic league and into the semi-finals of Europe’s elite club competition.
Last season, Inter secured the Scudetto with a win over Milan, but Conceicao has enough reasons of his own to want to overcome their rivals in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg, which is poised at 1-1 after the first.
“The motivation does not come from the opponent, but from our work day-by-day,” Conceicao told reporters.
“Unfortunately, there are no more chances in the league, even for the Champions League, and so we only think about [Wednesday].”
Conceicao does, however, realise the importance of the game for a club like Milan, who cannot be content with only winning the Supercoppa Italiana this season.
“It’s an important match for everyone, players, clubs and fans, and we are aware of that,” he added.
“Milan have to fight for the Scudetto and the Champions League, they are used to this despite the last few years. For a club like Milan, it must be normal to reach the final of the Coppa Italia.
“I congratulate Inter for the Champions League and the championship, this shows its strength. But for us, this match is fundamental because we want to win and get to the final to give a trophy to the fans.”
Milan have beaten Inter twice this season, including in the Supercoppa Italiana final, but the sides have played out draws in their last two outings, the first time they have done so since the 2016-17 season.
Bologna lead Empoli 3-0 in the other semi-final, with the second leg of that match being played on Thursday.
Milan defender Kyle Walker, on loan from Manchester City, fractured his elbow two weeks ago, and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been recovering from appendicitis, but Conceicao will have both players available against Inter.
“Walker has been training with the team, even if he is not at the top,” the manager said. “But both he and Loftus-Cheek will be there. It is positive news for us.”
Conceicao began his press conference by remembering Pope Francis, who died on Monday.
“A person who was the greatest exponent of the Catholic Church. I go to Mass every day at 6.30 pm in the centre of Milan,” Conceicao said. “He was an extraordinary man. We will miss his words and his gaze.”
