The Derby della Madonnina returns this weekend as Inter Milan vs. AC Milan promises to be an intense Serie A encounter at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Inter fans are riding high with recent performances, while their cross-town rivals are looking to regain their footing.
Historical Dominance
Inter Milan has dominated the Derby in recent years, winning their last six consecutive meetings across various competitions. This run includes a resounding victory in the 2023 Champions League semi-finals. Notably, the aggregate scoreline in these victories stands at a staggering 14-2 in Inter’s favor. Since the 2017-18 campaign, Inter has won nine out of fourteen Serie A matches against AC Milan.
Current Form
Inter Milan
Inter Milan is currently third in the Serie A standings, trailing league leaders Udinese by just two points. They are unbeaten this season, having secured a hard-fought draw against Manchester City in their recent Champions League fixture, which ended 0-0. According to recent data, Inter has a 45% probability of winning this match and a 45% chance of a draw.
AC Milan
AC Milan, coached by Paulo Fonseca, is off to a rocky start this season. Currently sitting in 10th place with only five points from their first five matches, rumors are swirling about Fonseca’s job security. Despite a commanding 4-0 win over Venezia in their last Serie A outing, a recent 3-1 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League has dampened spirits.
Key Players
Inter Milan
- Marcus Thuram: The French forward has been in sensational form, having scored four goals in just four Serie A matches this season with an average rating of 7.775. Thuram has scored in both of his previous Serie A derbies and could become another legend by finding the net once more.
- Lautaro Martinez: Inter’s captain, known for his finishing and work rate, is set to return to the starting lineup. Martinez has a history of scoring against AC Milan, averaging a goal every other game in derby fixtures.
AC Milan
- Christian Pulisic: The American winger has been one of Milan’s standout performers this season. With two goals and two assists in four Serie A appearances, he has a rating of 7.575.
- Rafael Leao: Known for his speed and dribbling, Leao will be a vital component of Milan’s attack. He has been directly involved in more league goals against Inter than any other team, except Hellas Verona and Roma.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Milan
- Goalkeepers: Yann Sommer
- Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco
- Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan
- Attackers: Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez
AC Milan
- Goalkeepers: Possibly a young Lorenzo Torriani due to Maignan’s injury
- Defenders: Emerson Royal, Fikayo Tomori, Strahinja Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez
- Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tijjani Reijnders
- Attackers: Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, Alvaro Morata
Recent Fixtures and Injuries
Both teams have had mixed results in their last five fixtures. Inter Milan secured a goalless draw against Manchester City and drew 1-1 with Monza, while AC Milan suffered a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool but won convincingly against Venezia.
Inter have some injury concerns with T. Buchanan (shin injury) and M. Arnautovic (illness). AC Milan will miss Ismael Bennacer (ankle), Alessandro Florenzi (ACL), and Malick Thiaw (ankle), adding further challenges to their squad depth.
Prediction
In my opinion, Inter Milan is predicted to win with a 45% probability, while a draw is also a highly likely outcome (45%). AC Milan has a slim 10% chance of emerging victorious.
Conclusion
As the two Milan giants face off, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating another chapter in this historic rivalry. Whether Inter will continue their dominance or Milan will pull off an upset remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Derby della Madonnina never disappoints.
