Milan derby: Stefao Pioli says he would chose Zlatan Ibrahimovic over Romelu Lukaku 'all my life'

Former Manchester United teammates meet in Serie A on Sunday for first time since fiery Coppa Italia clash

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, right, clashes with Romelu Lukaku of Inter Milan during the Coppa Italia quarter-final at the San Siro on Tuesday, January 26. Inter won the tie 2-1. Reuters

Zlatan Ibrahimovic argues with Romelu Lukaku during the Coppa Italia match. EPA

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku continue to argue after being separated by teammates. EPA

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic argues with Romelu Lukaku. EPA

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his challenge on Inter defender Aleksandar Kolarov that earned him a second yellow card. AFP

Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic is shown a red card by referee Paolo Valeri. Reuters

Zlatan Ibrahimovic after being sent-off. AFP

Zlatan Ibrahimovic walks past AC Milan manager after the veteran striker had been sent-off. AFP

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates with teammate Alessio Romagnoli after opening the scoring in the 31st minute. AFP

Inter forward Romelu Lukaku scores from the spot to level the scores after 71 minutes. AFP

Inter Milan's players celebrate Christian Eriksen's late winner. AFP

Inter's Christian Eriksencurls home the winner from a free-kick. Reuters

Inter's Christian Eriksencurls home the winner from a free-kick. Reuters

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte. EPA

Inter Milan players celebrate Christian Eriksen's winner. PA

Inter Milan substitute Christian Eriksen, left, celebrates after scoring the winner. AFP

Inter Milan players celebrate Christian Eriksen's winner. Reuters

Inter Milan's Arturo Vidal shoots at goal. AFP

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli said that he would choose Zlatan Ibrahimovic over Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku "all his life" ahead of Sunday's Milan derby.

Former Manchester United teammates Ibrahimovic and Lukaku meet for the first time since their fiery exchange in last month's Coppa Italia fixture, a clash that was so heated it resulted in an inquiry by the Italian Football Federation.

Both players were on target in that game, with Swedish striker Ibrahimovic also shown a red card as Inter progressed 2-1 courtesy of a last-gasp Christian Erkisen winner.

Pioli said he was confident there would be no spillover from January's encounter when the two teams meet at their shared San Siro home in Serie A on Sunday.

"What happened is now over," Pioli told a news conference. "It will be a heartfelt battle between them but also one with great respect and sportsmanship.

"Tomorrow we have to be an attentive and determined team, to defend well and attack well. If had to choose between Ibra and Lukaku as my striker, I would keep Zlatan all my life."

Milan led the way in Serie A for much of the season, but a surprise defeat at Spezia last weekend opened the door for Inter to move to the top of the standings. Antonio Conte's side are one point ahead of their rivals, with champions Juventus eight points adrift in fifth.

There is a long way to go in the season, but the title race looks set to be an enthralling one, with Juventus' nine-year monopoly over the division under threat.

"Sunday is not decisive for the fate of the championship but it is important because we have been in the lead all season," Pioli added. "We are prepared for it being very important in the race for the title.

"If you approach a match looking for a draw, it may suit you, but you are closer to defeat than to victory. We will go out on the pitch to win."

This is the first time Inter have been top in the second half of the campaign since May 2010, the last season in which they won the Scudetto, and manager Antonio Conte knows how important the derby is as his side look to end their title drought.

"This will be a different derby compared to the derbies of past years because it concerns who will be top of the rankings," Conte told a news conference.

"We are paired, first and second, and I think Milan is in a great place right now. They have improved a lot, and beating them now will mean even more.

"We still need a lot of work and organisation. We need to play well to get the win."