In the 174th Milan Derby in Serie A, both sides will meet occupying the top two spots for the first time in a decade. No need to highlight the importance of Sunday’s derby, since it will be the biggest meeting between the two since that fixture in 2011, when AC Milan defeated Internazionale in the title race. The first round ended in favor of the Rossoneri, however the Nerazzuri got their revenge in the Coppa kicking Milan out in the quarter-final. Who will win round 2? This is AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Derby Della Madonnina V2.0
Match Preview
Unfortunately, the Milan derby lost a bit of it’s mojo lately as both sides were struggling and Juventus was dominating everything. However, the resurgence of the two giants this season reminded us that this is one of, if not the biggest, derby in world football. Just one point seperate them as it was the case most of the season now, only this time Inter are on top. Can the Rossoneri reclaim the throne? This will also serve as a Lukaku Vs Ibra matchup, round 2, after they both went head to head in the Coppa clash. Taking all into consideration, the script could not have been written any better for a clash of this magnitude. Let’s take a closer look at what is waiting for us in this Derby Della Madonnina.
AC Milan
the Rossoneri head into this game a bit shaky in their last 5 league matches, having lost 2 of them with a shock defeat to Spezia 2-0. A reason why they slipped to 2nd place behind their rivals. This was just the 2nd game that Milan failed to score in, after losing to Atalanta 3-0 at home. Things got heated the last time around, with the famous Lukaku and Ibra clash which saw the Swedish picking up a red card later on. Zlatan will feel like this is the perfect opportunity to redeem himself, as the sent off was one of the main reasons they got kicked out of the Coppa. Can he keep his calm this time and hurt Inter where it really matters?
On the other hand, in Europe, Milan got back with a bitter result from Belgrade. After leading the game 2-1, they conceded the last minute and had to settle for the draw. A win could have boosted their confidence, especially after the last league defeat. Nonetheless, they have enough experience and charachter to get back on winning ways. The Red Devils could win both derbies in a single season for the second time over the last 15 years, that alone is a good enough reason to perform better. Zlatan was rested during the Europa League as Mandzukic made his club debut, however the king will be more than ready to start this derby as he also have a personal score to settle.
Inter Milan
The Nerazzuri head into this clash in a better form than their rivals, with a 6 games undefeated run. In addition, they are more rested than Milan, having played last on Sunday where they beat Lazio 3-1 to claim the top spot. Inter lost the first fixture 2-1 “at home”, but were able to get the last laugh in the Coppa as they kicked the Rossoneri out. Can they do it again in the league this time and get their proper revenge? A win would take Antonio Conte’s side 4 points clear off the top and in total control.
Inter have the league’s best offense scoring 54 goals so far, with Lukaku joined Ronaldo as the joint top scorer with a brace against Lazio. The Belgium beast have 16 goals and 3 assists so far, as he could become the first player since Romeo Benetti (1972-1973) to score in four consecutive Milan derbies. Zlatan is not that far behind him, as he has 14 goals which makes this clash even more interesting. On the defensive end, Inter find themselves 3rd best having conceded 24 goals this season. In addition, they have kept a clean sheet in each of their last two away games in the league, can they make it three? Although there is no point of calling it an “away” game since it will be played at the San Siro.
Key Matchup: Roma-Stoni
Two Italian defensive specialists go head to head in a special matchup. The two starters have collected a similar number of minutes, in a confrontation that sees the Inter star with 19 games played, 1,676 minutes of play and zero goals, compared to 17 for his rival, 1,530 minutes on the pitch, and one goal. Bastoni is the player with the highest number of tackles won (12) and percentage of tackles won (63.2%). Both players have a similar style of play, controlling the game from the back while securing the goal from the inside. On a disciplinary level, Romagnoli has received 6 yellow cards so far while Bastoni only 4. Neither player has been sent off, could this be the first time?
Team News
The Rossoneri will be without Bennacer as he suffered a setback in his progress during the Europa League. Sandro Tonali returned to action following a brief injury, however Brahim Diaz remains absent with a hamstring problem. The biggest miss will probably be Mandzukic as the Croatian suffered a muscular problem and will not feature.
On the other hand, Inter will be without Stefano Sensi as he did not recover on time. In addition, Conte will be worried about Vidal’s fitness after he suffered a knock last week.
Prediction & Current Odds
AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Derby Della Madonnina V2.0. Bottom line is, this is the fiercest derby we will see for a while now. Both teams have everything to lose heading into this game. Inter are in a better form considering the latest results. However, in derbies, this does not mean anything as Milan will be hungry to get the double over their rivals. We predict that both teams will get on the scoresheet, it remains to see who will have the final say. Inter are more rested, on the other hand Milan were able to rotate their side in the Europa League and will be ready. Who will have the last say?
- Over 2.5 goals: 1.72
- Both Team To Score : 1.61
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