Curtis Jones was unexpectably brought up following the Milan derby despite missing the game through injury

Premier League cult hero Paul Di Canio has jumped to the defence of Curtis Jones following his tough start to life at Inter Milan. Jones has made five appearances for the Italian champions since his summer move from Liverpool and is currently out injured.

Without the 25-year-old, Inter's unbeaten start to the season was ended by a 3-1 Milan derby defeat on Saturday. It was a surprising result, given Milan's stuttering form under Ruben Amorim, and it sparked a heated debate between Sky Italia pundits Di Canio and Giancarlo Marocchi.

The latter argued the result could have been different if another injured player, Federico Dimarco, had been available to Inter. But former West Ham and Sheffield Wednesday striker Di Canio wasn't having any of that, asking: "Why? He also lost the derbies because he didn't play well. I remember them."

Marocchi shot back by mocking Di Canio for his previous praise of Jones, saying: "The one I saw in Italy isn't your Curtis Jones."

Di Canio, who was renowned for his fiery temperament in his playing days, replied with a cutting remark about the standard of Serie A compared to the Premier League. He said: "I understand why the Premier League bothers you. It's three leagues above Serie A."

Di Canio later added: "Remember, Curtis Jones will be the starter. He provides counter-attack and also helps out in front of the defence. You'll see he'll play, he's the most advanced."

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Jones had a mixed run before his injury, impressing in league matches but making a costly error that led to a goal in Inter's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

Inter paid an initial £25m for Jones, who felt he had to leave Liverpool to secure regular first-team football. Jones said manager Cristian Chivu was a key factor in his decision to join one of Italy's grandest clubs.

He said: "There's a reason I came here: the phone calls we had, how the team plays, his tactical ideas and how he works every single day. It's the small things he says, things that might seem minor but end up having a massive impact.

"Plus, he has immense experience and played at the highest level himself. He's managed the squad brilliantly. He's one of us and to me, that's fundamental."