AC Milan defender Luca Antonini has admitted that they cannot afford to lose the Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan on Sunday.

The Rossoneri are currently 11th in Serie A with just seven points from six matches, five points behind their city rivals, who are third in the table.

"The derby is always an important game, but especially for us this time around," the 30-year-old told Milan Channel.

"We are starting to improve our performances and are getting to the level we want to be at."

Antonini rejoined Milan from Empoli in 2008.