Sergio Conceicao acknowledged victory in the Coppa Italia "is the quickest way into Europe" for Milan, ahead of their mouth-watering semi-final showdown with rivals Inter.

The Rossoneri and the Nerazzurri go head to head at San Siro in the first leg of their last-four clash on Wednesday.

The competition may offer salvation to Milan, who are ninth in Serie A - 20 points behind leaders Inter, and five adrift of Roma in the last of the European qualifying spots.

Conceicao conceded his side had fallen short of expectations this term, but urged them to stay focused in the knowledge that silverware may turn their fortunes around.

"Milan aren't used to this ranking, but there are still a lot of games to go," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"I'm not the happiest in the world because of the things I've experienced over these last months. I've been happy in some moments, disappointed in many more. We need to improve, but it's not easy for everyone.

"We're aware that it's important for Europe. But let's not think about the other games. We know that this is the quickest way into Europe.

"I'd be satisfied, for sure, for a trophy, but first, you have to win against Inter and then the final. This is futurology. I like to win day by day."

Milan go into the tie having already beaten Simone Inzaghi's Inter twice this season, including a dramatic 3-2 victory in the final of the Supercoppa Italiana in January.

"They've been important games for us," Conceicao added. "The situations are different, with different players on the pitch. We'll see if we can have a good game tomorrow. Let's see what Inter can do.

"They are a very strong team with a solid game, and a coach who has been there for a long time."