Simone Inzaghi wants Inter to take their “anger” out on Juventus when they do battle in the Derby d’Italia at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
The Nerazzurri have slipped from the top of the table to third after winning just one of their past seven Serie A games.
Inter are six points behind leaders Milan with a game in hand and in-form Juve will move above the champions if they win the derby in Turin.
Head coach Inzaghi expects his side to show what they are made of in such a huge game after the international break.
He told reporters on Saturday: “We have only been back in full training for two days. Yesterday we trained well, we need anger, but also character.
“We know that in the last seven games we have lost points and results, rather than performances. Tomorrow we have to play a great match, of personality and character, against an opponent of great value and in a difficult stadium.”
While Inter have lost their way, Juve are unbeaten in 16 Serie A matches.
Yet Inzaghi sees the game as the perfect opportunity for Inter to make a statement and silence their critics.
“It will be a very important match, there could not have been a better match at the moment to give a strong signal.” the former Lazio boss said.
He added: “I think that criticism is part of our profession and must be accepted. I can distinguish the constructive ones that help to grow and mature, from those built with art that I don’t take into consideration.”
Inter duo Marcelo Brozovic and Stefan de Vrij will be assessed after training on Saturday, having been sidelined by calf injuries.
The Nerazzurri have won only one of their past 15 away meetings with Juve in all competitions, that solitary victory coming back in November 2012.