EMBATTLED Italian champions AC Milan badly need a good result against city rivals Internazionale at the San Siro tomorrow night.

Milan touched a low point in a very disappointing season when they were humiliated 6-1 by leaders Juventus at the San Siro last Sunday.

In contrast, Inter are buoyant after an impressive 3-1 UEFA Cup semi final first leg win against French side Monaco on Tuesday.

Despite the obvious discrepancy in the clubs' form, Inter's experienced goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca expects a difficult match.

"Anyone who says this will be a low key derby makes me laugh. For us, it is a good chance to get back into the battle for second place, perhaps our last chance," he said.

"And, as for Milan, well ... I tell you one thing, last Sunday's 6-1 scoreline isn't right and anyone who saw the first half knows that."

Inter come into the game in third place, 10 points behind Juventus and four behind second placed Parma.

With eight games to play, Inter are still in contention for the runners up spot in Serie A which will guarantee participation in next year's European Cup.

Inter expect to be at full strength, with Frenchman Youri Djorkaeff playing behind strikers - Ivan Zamorano of Chile and in form Maurizio Ganz in their now habitual first choice attack.

Milan, now eighth, welcome back two players who missed Sunday's drubbing - international defender Alessandro Costacurta and Liberian striker George Weah.

Costacurta agrees with Pagliuca that Milan's heavy loss last Sunday could prove misleading.

"This doesn't look like any low key derby to me because they know only too well that we're not the side that let in six against Juventus."

Costacurta lines up beside Paolo Maldini, 38 year old Pietro Vierchowod and 36 year old Franco Baresi in defence.