Inter Milan's midfielder from Montenegro Stevan Jovetic eyes the ball during the Italian Serie A football match Carpi vs Inter Milan at the Alberto Braglia Stadium in Modena on August 30, 2015 (AFP Photo/Giuseppe Cacace)

Milan (AFP) - Inter Milan forward Stevan Jovetic has revealed he turned down the chance to join Juventus while at Manchester City, as the sides prepare to meet in a much anticipated 'Derby d'Italia'.

Jovetic has made a huge impact in the handful of games he has played for Roberto Mancini's side since his loan move from City, and believes Inter can realistically target their first Italian league title since 2010.

Following a recent spell on the sidelines through injury, the Montenegran international is expected to return to the fray to play a key role in Sunday's clash at the San Siro.

Jovetic revealed he had the chance to join Juventus when former coach Antonio Conte led the Turin giants to three successive league titles in 2012-2014, but turned down the move.

"During Conte's spell at the club I was very close to joining Juve," said Jovetic.

"They called my agent and although I never spoke with Conte myself, in the end I decided to stay with City."

Jovetic said circumstances conspired at City to deprive him of the chance to "play at my best", but said his time at the club had been "fantastic".

The 25-year-old is now completely focused on helping Inter achieve their dream of winning their first league title since 2010, when Jose Mourinho led Inter Milan to an unprecedented treble.

With Inter just two points behind Fiorentina ahead of La Viola's visit to an on-form Napoli and Juventus eight points further back, a win on Sunday could propel Mancini's men back to the top of the league.

It would also leave Juventus 11 points adrift of Inter, possibly too much, says Juve defender Andrea Barzagli, for the Turin giants to maintain hopes of a fourth consecutive scudetto.

"It will be the game of truth, a fundamental game, especially for us," Barzagli told Sky Sport.

"We have to be prepared for a tough game in Milan. If we want to have any hope (of defending the title) we need a good result.

"It's still early in the season but if Inter go 11 points ahead, it becomes problematic for us."