Mancini talks down derby clash

Roberto Mancini is determined to play down the significance of Monday's derby clash with Manchester United.

For both managers, it seems to be a premeditated decision to either hype or undermine the game knowing City faltered in March and the beginning of April when the pressure for them to be champions was at its most intense. And, though the prize is obvious - victory would put the Blues top on goal difference with two games of the season remaining and in pole position to claim their first championship since 1968 - Mancini is adamant he is treating it as no more significant than any other. "The derby is always the game of the year," he said. "For the supporters, a derby is always a different game to the others. It is important for the city. "Manchester has two top teams who are in a position to play this important game. "But for us it will just be one more game, not because we fight for this or for that, and after it there are another two games, very tough games."