Italian football legend Arrigo Saachi has backed David Beckham to be the defining factor in Sunday's Milan derby clash between AC and Inter.

Saachi, who famously guided Milan to two European Cup wins and Italy to a 1994 World Cup final, believes Beckham's exceptional qualities will see the England international steer the Rossoneri to a famous win against Jose Mourinho's league leading Inter side.

"Milan are arriving at this important match in excellent shape, physically and mentally," he said.

"Beckham's been a great signing for Milan and one of the reasons that they're turning things round. And there is a limit to how much a coach can influence the outcome of a single match."

Milan have been in scintillating form since Christmas and head into the 'derby della Madonnina' - the match was named after the statue of the Virgin Mary on the city's Gothic cathedral - a mere six points behind Inter and with a game in hand on their bitter rivals.

With Brazilian ace Ronaldinho firing on all cylinders and Beckham, now playing in a more attacking role,  looking to impress yet again during his second spell at Milan, many observers are predicting that Milan could yet wrestle the Serie A crown away from Mourino despite their indifferent start to the season.

Saachi, for one, is far from surprised that Beckham has been key to Milan reversal in fortunes.

"It didn't surprise me that he bedded in so quickly at Milan because he's an intelligent person," he said.

"Very few English players who have played in Italy have made an impact. Intelligence in football is not an optional extra and he's intelligent, so he's been able to adapt more easily than others.

"Tactically, he knows how to move in relation to his team-mates. He's always active - with or without the ball. This is a notable quality."

"At Madrid he struck me immediately as an immense talent, a great professional, a real hard worker, and a serious and reliable person. A model player, one who loves his football."