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."
