More than pride is at stake when AC Milan welcome Inter Milan to the San Siro on Sunday evening.
The Derby della Madonnina returns to San Siro on Sunday, promising yet another enthralling chapter in the storied rivalry between AC Milan and Inter Milan. A month after their five-goal thriller in Saudi Arabia during the Supercoppa Italiana, these Serie A giants collide again, with plenty at stake for both sides. While Inter aim to close the gap on league leaders Napoli in their pursuit of back-to-back Scudetti, Milan seek to complete a rare derby hat-trick this season.
AC Milan head into the derby with mixed fortunes. Though their 2-1 win over Inter in September was a crucial milestone that ended a painful losing streak, their league form since then has been inconsistent, leaving them 16 points adrift of their city rivals. However, Sergio Conceicao’s appointment has brought glimpses of hope, most notably in their comeback win during the Supercoppa Italiana final, where they fought back from two goals down to seal a 3-2 victory.
The Rossoneri have been far from stable since then. A 2-0 defeat to Juventus in Turin highlighted their struggles, but recent wins over Girona in the Champions League and a thrilling 3-2 victory against Parma last weekend showcased their resilience. Goals in stoppage time from Tijjani Reijnders and Samuel Chukwueze saved the day against Parma, while a 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League league-phase finale forced them into a playoff against Feyenoord to secure a last-16 spot.
Despite the challenges, Conceicao has injected a competitive spirit, and Milan fans will hope he can become only the second manager in 35 years to win his first two derbies. The team’s ability to rise for big occasions will be key if they are to keep their European qualification hopes alive and dent Inter’s Scudetto defence.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, enter the derby in formidable form. After a slow start to the campaign, the reigning champions have regained their rhythm, with Lautaro Martinez leading the charge. The Argentine attacker scored a hat-trick in midweek against Monaco, following his goal in a 4-0 drubbing of Lecce last weekend. Martinez’s clinical finishing has propelled Inter into second place in the Serie A standings, just three points behind league leaders Napoli.
Simone Inzaghi’s side has been dominant on both ends of the pitch. With 55 goals scored this season, their attack has reached heights unseen since 1961, while their defence has been equally exceptional. Inter have conceded only one goal in eight Champions League games and are on a record-setting run of clean sheets in Serie A. Seven consecutive shutouts away from home have produced an aggregate score of 23-0, and a clean sheet on Sunday would equal Milan’s all-time record of eight, set in 1994.
Inzaghi’s team not only boasts the firepower to overwhelm their opponents but also the defensive solidity to weather any storm. With a Champions League last-16 berth already secured and momentum on their side, Inter appear well-equipped to avenge their previous derby defeats this season. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
AC Milan
AC Milan are grappling with several absences ahead of the Derby della Madonnina, forcing Sergio Conceicao to make critical decisions in defence and midfield. England international Kyle Walker, recently acquired to address Milan’s right-back issues, may be thrown into the deep end despite having just joined the club.
This is especially likely given Emerson Royal’s injury and the fallout between club captain Davide Calabria and Conceicao following a public bust-up last weekend. Fikayo Tomori had to deputise at right-back during Milan’s UEFA Champions League outing on Wednesday, and his versatility may be called upon again.
Midfield anchor Youssouf Fofana is suspended, dealing a significant blow to Milan’s midfield structure. Additionally, Malick Thiaw, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and long-term absentee Alessandro Florenzi remain unavailable. Up front, Alvaro Morata’s potential departure could see Tammy Abraham continue to lead the line. Despite these challenges, Conceicao will rely on his key players to step up for this high-stakes derby.
Sergio Conceicao is likely to deploy his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation. In goal, Mike Maignan provides reliability and leadership. Kyle Walker could slot in at right-back, offering defensive stability and attacking thrust, while Fikayo Tomori partners Strahinja Pavlovic in the centre of defence. Theo Hernandez is a guaranteed starter at left-back, providing creativity and pace from the flanks.
In the double pivot, Ismael Bennacer will be joined by Yunus Musah, tasked with shielding the defence and linking play to the attack. Christian Pulisic is set to feature on the right flank, with Tijjani Reijnders operating as the central attacking midfielder and Rafael Leao providing flair and directness from the left wing. Tammy Abraham will lead the line, aiming to trouble Inter’s defence with his physical presence and finishing ability.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Walker, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Bennacer, Musah; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Abraham
Inter Milan
Inter Milan head into the Derby della Madonnina with relatively minor fitness concerns. Former AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is a doubt due to a calf issue, while experienced defender Francesco Acerbi is dealing with a hamstring problem.
However, the only confirmed absentee is Joaquin Correa. Simone Inzaghi is unlikely to make significant changes to the lineup he deployed midweek, as Inter’s performance against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League demonstrated their strength.
Lautaro Martinez, revitalised and in fine form, is expected to start alongside Marcus Thuram in attack. Martinez, fondly nicknamed ‘El Toro’, has already scored nine league goals this season. Should he find the net against Milan, he would hit double figures in Serie A for the sixth consecutive campaign and become only the third Inter player to score 10 goals against the Rossoneri across all competitions. On the right flank, attacking wing-back Denzel Dumfries has been a standout performer, having scored in his last three Serie A matches.
Simone Inzaghi will likely stick to his preferred 3-5-2 formation. Yann Sommer will start in goal, with Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni forming a formidable three-man defence. On the right flank, Denzel Dumfries will take up his role as the marauding wing-back, while Federico Dimarco will operate on the left flank, providing width and crossing opportunities.
In the midfield, Nicolo Barella will orchestrate play alongside Kristjan Asllani and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, offering creativity and control. Up front, Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram will lead the line, forming a dynamic partnership capable of troubling any defence with their movement, strength, and finishing prowess.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, de Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Key Stats
- AC Milan have won the last two Milan derbies across all competitions, equaling the number of victories they managed in the previous 13 derbies combined (D2 L9). A win in this match would mark the first time since 2011 under Massimiliano Allegri that Milan have claimed three consecutive victories over Inter.
- Inter have won 70 matches and scored 259 goals in Serie A against AC Milan, more than against any other opponent in the competition. However, the Nerazzurri have also drawn 56 games against the Rossoneri, the most against any team in the Italian top flight.
- In the last seven Milan derbies in Serie A with Simone Inzaghi as Inter’s manager, the score between the two sides is evenly split at three wins each and one draw. During this period, the Rossoneri have consistently conceded in the first half, with the last instance of Inter failing to score before halftime coming in February 2020.
- Inter have kept clean sheets in their last seven away games in Serie A, with an aggregate score of 23-0. Only AC Milan have achieved a longer streak of away clean sheets in the league’s history (eight between November 1993 and March 1994).
- When facing the top eight sides in the current Serie A table, AC Milan have collected just five points (W1 D2 L4). Their sole victory in such fixtures this season came against Inter in the reverse fixture.
Player to Watch
Kyle Walker
AC Milan’s newest addition, Kyle Walker, will be under the spotlight in his first Derby della Madonnina since making the move from Manchester City. Known for his blistering pace, defensive tenacity, and vast experience at the highest level, Walker’s presence will undoubtedly bring stability and leadership to Milan’s backline. However, the intensity of a Milan derby will test his ability to adapt to the unique demands of Serie A football.
One critical aspect of Walker’s role will be dealing with Inter’s prolific left-sided attack, which has consistently caused problems for opposition defences. With players like Federico Dimarco and Lautaro Martinez frequently exploiting spaces and making dangerous runs on that flank, Walker will need to remain vigilant throughout the 90 minutes.
Moreover, Walker must not afford to “fall asleep at the far post”, a situation where Inter have been particularly ruthless this season. Their ability to overload the left side and deliver precise crosses into the box has been a hallmark of their offensive play. Walker’s positional awareness and tracking ability will be crucial in neutralizing this threat and ensuring that Inter’s creative left-wing players are kept at bay.
Prediction
Inter Milan 2-1 AC Milan
Derby della Madonnina matches are always unpredictable, and Sunday’s clash will be no different. AC Milan have shown they can rise to the occasion, as seen in their Supercoppa Italiana triumph.
However, Inter Milan’s current form, both domestically and in Europe, gives them the edge. Lautaro Martinez’s red-hot streak and their defensive steel could prove decisive. Inter’s clinical attack and defensive organization are likely to see them edge their city rivals in what promises to be another thrilling derby.