Preview: AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Written by Dare Solomon
The Milan Derby remains one of the most awaited encounters in world football as both teams display great attitude in the game. Inter Milan and AC Milan share a great rivalry; the proud teams hate to lose a derby game, and a victory gives a huge boost to either side.
This is one of the most important games of the season for both clubs, and it could give them a huge lift for the going into the International break.
What makes this season’s derby more interesting is that there’s arguably an equal chance of both teams winning the league and the summer transfer of one of Milan’s best players Hakan Calhanoglu to the blue side of the city.
The Rosonerri appear to have moved on with the evidence showing on the league table. AC Milan are tied on points with table toppers Napoli after 11 games, and are unbeaten so far with just a draw.
Although Milan are experiencing a completely different fortune in Europe after three defeats and a draw against Porto, their wins over teams like Lazio, Atalanta and recently against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico prove that Stefano Pioli men are focused on winning the Scudetto.
Inter Milan on the other hand are third on the log and 7 points behind their city rival, but the Nerrazurri have found joy in the Champions League compared to AC Milan.
However, Inter need the win over their bitter rivals if they want to stay within touching distance of the title contenders. They have to find strength from their win over Udinese in Serie A and Sheriff Tiraspol in Europe.
AC Milan
Style of play
There is a saying in football which goes “don’t fix if not broken.” This should work perfectly in the area of formation and style of play for coach Stefano Pioli who all season long has played a 4-2-3-1 formation with his fullbacks doubling as midfielders.
Having both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud back in the team should change little in the team’s approach as Pioli prefers playing with a striker which will most likely be the Swedish legend
The suspension of Theo Hernandez after his red card against Roma, may see Kalulu return to the starting line-up but Krunic may likely be dropped to the bench for Ibrahim Diaz (should the Spaniard pass a late fitness test) in the creative department due to his quality to create, provide assists and also score goals.
Recent form
Stefano Pioli’s men have now won 14 of 16 unbeaten league games since the start of May. However, whereas the Rossoneri registered clean sheets in eight of the first 10 of these appearances, winning seven by at least two clear goals, the subsequent six outings have seen them shut their opponents out on just a single occasion, while they won by more than a single goal on just one occasion as well.
Player to watch
Difficult to look beyond the 40-year-old experienced Ibrahimovic who again proved to everyone that age is just a number by scoring his 400th career goal from a well taken free kick against Roma his 150th in the league. Zlatan hardly disappears in games like this, at least not against the Rossoneri’s arch-rivals.
Injury update
Samu Castillejo, Mike Maignan, and Ibrahim Diaz are yet to recover and will not be able to feature in this game. While Ante Rebic remains a doubt.
Inter Milan
Style of play
Though with a different approach, but just as his opposition in the dugout, Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi remains loyal to his 3-5-2 formation. The partnership trio Skriniar, de Vrij and Bastoni have not really replicated the Conte magic of last season as Inter’s only clean sheets this season have come against bottom-half sides Genoa, Empoli and Udinese.
Having Marcelo Brozovic in central midfield alongside Barella and Arturo Vidal have brought much more dynamism to the attack that mostly have Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez as the arrow head.
With Sanchez, Perisic, Calhanoglu Veccino and Joaquin Correa all declared fit, Inter surely have enough to call upon when they need to.
Recent form
Although Inter have only suffered one league defeat and sit in third place, they’re already seven points adrift of Napoli and Milan. They’ve also drawn games with Atalanta and Juventus, as they’re yet to claim a victory over a top team this season under Simone Inzaghi.
Player to watch
The defense of the hosts will surely have a lot to worry about and top of the list will be Edin Dzeko. The former Roma striker will play his first Milan derby on Sunday but he’s a man with derby experiences. And with 7 goals already, Dzeko will be key to Inter’s success.
Injury update
Inter Milan have a fully-fit squad at the moment and will need to field their best team against AC Milan.
Head-To-Head
Inter have dominated this derby in recent years and have only lost one of the past 11 meetings since 2016/17, while they’ve won six of seven since 2018/19.
Prediction
AC Milan 2-2 Inter Milan
Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
