Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini insisted that it would be virtually impossible to grab the Italian league title even if they defeat leaders Juventus in the crunch game between them on Sunday.

The Nerazzurri have the chance to narrow down Juve’s lead to six points, nevertheless Mancini insisted that the Bianconeri were in pole position to retain their title.

“It won’t matter if we win against Juve and close the gap, it will be impossible to re-open the title race,” Mancini told Italian magazine Football Italia on Friday.

“Even if we play to our very best over the next few games it will be too hard,” he added.

Asked about the two Juventus players he preferred not the play the highly-anticipated match, Mancini said: “Juventus are a great club and have many experienced top class players. It would be hard to pick out their two best as they are all excellent.”

“Emerson is an extraordinary player, but so are Patrick Vieira, Mauro Camoranesi and the rest,” he added.

However, the ex-Lazio boss stressed that he will be depending on his defence to stand up for the strong Juve attacking-lines.

“For me, David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are the two that really make the difference,” Mancini said.

Mancini also insisted that the team got over midweek’s 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina and said that they will do their best to tighten their grip on their second-place position in the Serie A table.

“It will be a hard game on Sunday whoever plays but we will still be looking to win, get back to our strengths and consolidate our second place.

“Our position is still the same and we must not let Wednesday’s defeat upset us as we still played good football,” he said.