Roberto Mancini has insisted that both Milan clubs can challenge for the Serie A title during the 2015-16 season.
The former Manchester City boss guided Inter Milan to an eighth-place finish in the Italian top flight last season, while rivals AC Milan were 10th, 35 points adrift of champions Juventus.
The manager said at a press conference ahead of a pre-season match between the two sides: "I'm sure both Milan clubs will get back challenging for the top honours.
"Sinisa [Mihajlovic of AC Milan] is one of my best friends away from the game. We played together, then he was a player under me before working as my assistant. I'm happy for him and I'm happy that I get to meet him in this first derby of the season.
"This is a very important derby. It's hugely important for our fans here, and for us it's important to keep getting minutes under our belts."
Juventus have won the title for the last four seasons.
