As Serie A resumes, the focus shifts to the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina between Inter Milan and AC Milan. This match, taking place at the iconic San Siro, marks the first clash of the season between these fierce rivals.
Current Standings and Team Performance
Inter Milan currently leads the league, sitting at the top of the Serie A table, two points ahead of their cross-town rivals. After a strong start, Inter has maintained an impressive form, with seven victories in their last eight league matches. Notably, they average over two goals per game, having scored a league-high 26 goals so far this season.
In comparison, AC Milan has experienced ups and downs in their recent fixtures. Although they racked up a ten-game unbeaten streak in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, they fell short in their last game against Parma, conceding a two-goal lead and settling for a draw. As they sit third in the standings, they must capitalize on the upcoming derby to boost their Scudetto aspirations.
Key Player Insights
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez stands out as a critical player to watch, needing just one more goal to become one of the few Inter players to score 10 times against Milan. The Nerazzurri are dealing with injuries, with Denzel Dumfries, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Matteo Darmian ruled out for this match. Carlos Augusto is likely to step in for Dumfries.
On the other side, AC Milan’s attacking lineup appears slightly limited due to Santiago Gimenez’s injury. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are expected to spearhead the attack, while Adrien Rabiot’s return adds strength to their midfield alongside Luka Modric.
Potential Lineups
| Inter Milan | AC Milan |
|---|---|
| Sommer | Maignan |
| Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni | Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic |
| Augusto, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Dimarco | Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi |
| Martinez, Thuram | Pulisic, Leao |
Match Prediction
In terms of predicting the outcome, Inter Milan is favored due to their robust scoring ability and current form. With AC Milan seeking to avoid a deeper gap in the title race, coach Massimiliano Allegri’s strategy will likely be cautious. Ultimately, it may come down to Inter’s attacking prowess to secure a decisive goal.
