Inter Milan could clinch the Scudetto at the expense of local rivals AC Milan when the two sides take part in the Derby della Madonnina on Monday.
AC Milan are in a good position to finish second in the league behind Inter Milan, and they will want to keep hold of their position as a primary objective on Monday. The clash at San Siro has the Rossoneri listed as the home team. And the moment is a big test of character for Stefano Pioli’s men as they cannot possibly let Inter clinch the Scudetto at their expense.
It has been quite frustrating for Pioli’s side in all competitions, losing both their Europa League quarter-finals to AS Roma and then a draw with Sassuolo sandwiched between those clashes. Pioli’s men lead third-placed Juventus by six points but have played a game more than the Bianconeri.
Pioli will want a solid end to the campaign, and finishing second would be a monumental achievement considering how they began the season. Their objective heading into Monday’s game would be to stop Inter Milan at all costs from clinching the Scudetto in front of the Milan home fans.
For teams and their fanbases, it has an outstanding achievement to clinch the league title at the expense of their fiercest rivals. Inter Milan have found themselves in that exact position that would please their supporters for a long time to come, as they can win the Serie A title at San Siro at the expense of AC Milan.
Simone Inzaghi’s men are 14 points clear at the top of the league and on the brink of the title. Inter Milan had been in rampant form before their Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid, as they have dropped points twice in the four games since.
Last weekend, Inter Milan could only manage a 2-2 draw with Cagliari, although second-paced AC Milan’s draw with Sassuolo negated that result. While they might have wanted to go the distance in the Champions League, Inzaghi’s men will be happy with the title, the first of his managerial career, with the fans hoping for more under this head coach.
Team News & Tactics
AC Milan
AC Milan still need a squad with a clean bill of health, with at least three of Stefano Pioli’s stars still missing from action. Antonio Mirante, Pierre Kalulu, and Simon Kjaer are the only absentees, with Malick Thiaw also missing out with a suspension.
Hence, Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori are best placed to start in central defence for AC Milan, with the support of Alessandro Florenzi and Theo Hernandez from the full-back areas. Pioli might freshen up his starting eleven a bit after a gruelling few days of continuous footballing action.
Hence, Tijjani Reijnders might have a different midfield partner for this derby, with Ismael Bennacer likely to replace Yacine Adli. Pioli might also look to bring Samuel Chukwueze on the right wing, as he was expected to start against Roma, but he acted against it.
Chukwueze could replace Christian Pulisic on the right-hand side and in support of Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao in the front three, with the former coming into this game with a good record against Inter Milan since coming over to Italy.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Florenzi, Gabbia, Tomori, Hernandez; Bennacer, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud
Inter Milan
Simone Inzaghi has a near full-strength squad at his disposal ahead of the final few games of the season, with only Juan Cuadrado missing from action.
Inter Milan will also have defender Benjamin Pavard and skipper Lautaro Martinez back in action after serving a one-game suspension. Should Inzaghi decide to put the duo back on the pitch, Alexis Sanchez and Yann Bisseck will likely make way for them.
Hakan Calhanoglu will continue to sit at the base of this Inter Milan midfield with support from Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on either side. Damian might be preferred to Denzel Dumfries, with Federico Dimarco cementing his place on the left flank. Martinez will resume his striking duties alongside regular partner Marcus Thuram.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Key Stats
- AC Milan are winless in their last three games in all competitions.
- AC Milan have lost only one of their last 17 league games.
- Inter are undefeated in their last 26 matches in Serie A.
- Inter have won their last five matches against AC Milan in all competitions.
- Inter have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven away matches against AC Milan in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Lautaro Martinez
Back in the squad after serving a suspension, Martinez will be out there for two things: one to clinch the Scudetto at the expense of Milan, and the second to end his six-game goal drought against the local rivals, as he has a significant mark to make for his supporters.
Although Inter Milan have not faltered during that period, Martinez has been a bit off. Simone Inzaghi will hope the Argentine finds himself back on the scoresheet and gives his team the historic night they deserve for their performances in the league this season.
Prediction
AC Milan 1-3 Inter Milan
AC Milan will try their best to stop Inter Milan from getting three points, as it is a matter of pride for Stefano Pioli’s side, who are also keen on keeping hold of their second place. However, their recent displays against their local rivals have been abysmal, even losing 5-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
Inter have been a bit off colour lately, but nothing would worry Simone Inzaghi. The team led by Lautaro Martinez will indeed be charged up for this occasion, and the chance to win the title would see them score freely to clinch three points and the title.
