It is a derby that is worth the semi-final of the Italian Cup but, above all, the emotional momentum to continue the long-distance duel that has the Scudetto at stake.
Tomorrow at San Siro the top two of the class will face off, Milan leaders and winter champions, Inter just two points away.
It is football Milan that is making a comeback, hunting for a title that has been missing for ten years for the Nerazzurri and four for the Rossoneri.
In the Italian Cup, in the desert of San Siro, the thoughts for both coaches will also focus on the championship which has priority especially after the knockout with Atalanta for Milan and the wasted opportunity likewise with Udinese for Inter. .
A bit of turnover in both teams is inevitable even if the semi-final is everyone's goal.
"From a psychological point of view there is the passage of the round, it is the most important thing in a competition like the Coppa Italia, of which we have great respect. We will need a team test", explains Antonio Conte to Rai.
"We definitely care - assures Stefano Pioli - we will do everything to get to the end. Of course we weren't lucky in the draw, because ours is the strongest quadrant, but if you want to win the Italian Cup you have to face them all".
The Coppa Italia derby will be an 'appetizer' of the face-to-face which will be staged in just under a month, in the league.
Two games in which different approaches are needed, because the February one will be a real championship challenge.
"The championship will be another story. The next derby is in a month - explains Pioli - with other important matches in between, so this is just a cup of Italy match, an important quarter-final but which is played in a single match. a unique match that can last 90 'or 120' ".
This year the two Milanese have already faced each other, it was October 17 and Milan won 2-1.
"We found ourselves 2-0 down - recalls Conte - then we scored and we had several opportunities to equalize. Not only tomorrow but in general, we must be much more cynical and determined especially when we reach the last pass, the conclusion, that it will be important. To be determined and decisive especially when it comes to the goal zone. "
Eyes on Lukaku and Lautaro, therefore, who have been out of league goals since January 3.
However, a goal by the Belgian gave - against Fiorentina - the qualification for the quarterfinals.
Conte does not make dramas: "I'm happy with the participation and self-denial they have throughout the game, then maybe there are more or less lucky moments for a striker.
The important thing is that there is always great participation."
Tomorrow against Milan Lautaro could rest in favor of Sanchez.
While among the Rossoneri the presence of Mandzukic is in doubt due to an ankle problem.
Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, could start as a starter, reaching the 120th match in the Rossoneri.
"Ibrahimovic is an important player for Milan - underlines Conte - but I believe that this Milan is not only Ibrahimovic, it is a team made up of strong and technically good players who are doing important things".
The Cup derby is a double-edged sword.
Because the defeat, both for Milan and for Inter, would be a step backwards.
A fall that could undermine the emotional balance of the championship race.
"In our profession, having pressure is a privilege. It means having reached a certain level, so pressure is welcome", says Pioli.
It's the derby and it will never be a challenge like any other, not even in the Italian Cup.