AC Milan vs Inter Milan – News and Probable Lineups

With AC Milan currently trailing by seven points after another disappointing midweek performance, they need to narrow the gap to Serie A leaders Inter de Milão when the two teams clash on Saturday for the Derby della Madonnina.

Prior to this match against their local rivals, Milan suffered a 4-2 defeat at home to Bologna, following last week’s loss to Bournemouth, while Inter managed to maintain their position at the top of the table with a narrow win against Venezia, securing the points with two late strikes.

Match overview

After facing a prolonged winless spell, Milan has significantly improved their derby performance, remaining unbeaten in the last seven encounters while securing five victories, including two 1-0 wins last season.

However, those wins ultimately felt unfulfilling as shortly after achieving their first Serie A double over Inter since 2011, the Rossoneri crumbled, allowing their rivals to take the title.

Six losses in the last ten league games that season meant Milan missed out on a Champions League spot, which led to a swift overhaul of the club’s management.

Ruben Amorim was brought in to rectify the situation, but his squad has struggled to find consistency, obtaining just three points from three Europa League outings and currently sitting fifth in Serie A.

While they were still undefeated domestically leading up to their match against Bologna on Wednesday, that streak was ultimately broken in a turbulent match at San Siro.

After taking the lead by five minutes following a goal from emerging talent Alphadjo Cisse, they allowed four goals from Bologna in the second half, marking the first time they conceded four goals at home in nearly four years.

Additionally, Bologna’s Samuel Mbangula became only the second player to score an away hat-trick against the Rossoneri in Serie A, following Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Batistuta in 1998.

While not the ideal preparation for their most important match of the season thus far, Milan must quickly regroup and attempt to lessen the distance to their relentless rivals.

Meanwhile, the red-and-black contingent from Italy’s second city continue to place their faith in Amorim’s rebuilding efforts, while their arch-rivals, the black-and-blue side, focus on continuity after claiming both domestic trophies last season.

Following their derby defeat in November—when former Milan player Hakan Calhanoglu missed a penalty saved by Mike Maignan—Inter responded by going unbeaten in 15 consecutive Serie A matches.

After capturing their 10th Coppa Italia alongside their 21st Scudetto, marking a successful first year for Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri appear destined to remain the unrivaled “Kings of Calcio”.

Chivu’s team staged a comeback for the fifth time in eight league matches when they dramatically overcame Fiorentina on Sunday, scoring twice in the final moments.

After briefly losing their top spot to surprise competitors Lazio—who trail Inter only on goal difference—they reclaimed the lead on Wednesday evening.

Despite both Marcus Thuram and Ange Bonny missing chances in a rather lackluster performance, the champions benefitted from two late own goals at Stadio Penzo.

With just two points dropped so far, Inter has amassed 25 points, which is their highest total at this stage in any Serie A campaign during the 21st century.

While this impressive record marginally keeps Lazio at bay, it is certainly something Milan should be wary of.

Team News

Amorim made several adjustments ahead of the Milan derby; notably, 41-year-old Luka Modric didn’t start but came on during Milan’s disastrous second half.

Christian Pulisic was also omitted from the starting XI, but both players are expected to feature on Saturday, with Fikayo Tomori possibly sidelined due to the injury he sustained against Bologna.

While Samuel Chukwueze, Mattia Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek remain unavailable, Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira, and Mario Gila have returned to the fold after brief absences.

It is unclear whether Cisse and Pulisic will support underperforming striker Goncalo Ramos. Cisse, who is being touted for a senior Italy call-up, has already scored a perfect hat-trick in the Europa League this season, netting with both feet plus his head during the last match.

On the other hand, Inter will be without their captain, Lautaro Martinez, who is still nursing a flexor injury, leaving any combination of Thuram, Bonny, and Pio Esposito to lead the attack.

Chivu’s list of absentees includes Luis Henrique and Benjamin Pavard, as well as Englishmen John Stones and Curtis Jones.

Utility player Carlos Augusto is likely to extend his starting run after contributing to six goal involvements this season; Josep Martinez is slated to replace Ivan Provedel in goal.

Hakan Calhanoglu may return to central midfield, following Aleksandar Stankovic’s first Serie A start midweek; a memorable occasion as brother Filip was in goal for Venezia, with father Dejan—an Inter legend—observing from the stands.

AC Milan probable starting XI:

Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic, Estupinan; Moreira, Modric, Musah, Cisse; Pulisic, Ramos

Inter Milan probable starting XI:

J. Martinez; Akanji, Bastoni, Augusto; Diouf, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito

While Milan enjoyed a clean sweep last season, the two sides faced off in Australia during pre-season, ending in a 1-1 draw at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

This week’s result could echo that encounter. Both clubs are experiencing injury concerns, and both coaches have cited fatigue during this busy period, leading to the possibility of a reluctant draw.