AC Milan vs Inter Milan: Will Nerazzurri end their derby struggles against Milan?
I Rossoneri have their sights on a historic double
There's no doubt that all eyes will be on AC Milan, who are just 90 minutes away from what could be a historic moment for them. This is more than just about securing bragging rights for the San Siro outfit, but it's their chance to assert their dominance over arch-rivals Inter Milan.
In the first instalment of the derby della Madonnina this season, AC Milan came out on top in a 1-0 away victory at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. And now, the aim is to complete a double over their opponents for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
The big question now is: Can they replicate that performance and secure another derby victory? Find out what our experts have to say in our AC Milan vs Inter Milan prediction for more insights.
Success for I Rossoneri in this one will be considered a huge achievement. It will also play a significant role in strengthening their push up the table. With 57 points amassed from 27 games, they are ten points behind league leaders Inter Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri's men boosted their confidence ahead of this crucial encounter with a comfortable 2-0 win against Cremonese. That result couldn't have come at a better time, as it halted a two-match winless run.
Can the set-piece specialists put an end to their struggles?
At this point, the Scudetto is well within Inter Milan's reach with 11 games to spare in Serie A. The Milan outfit have opened up a ten-point cushion at the top, leading up to this crucial encounter.
Cristian Chivu's men failed to get the job done in their recent outing against Como in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, playing to a goalless draw. Shifting their attention to Serie A, they've been superb with 14 wins in 15 games (D1).
Their 2-0 home victory against Genoa was their eighth consecutive league win. This was consolation for their exit from the UEFA Champions League. A seventh successive win could be on the cards.
It must be pointed out that they have been a dangerous team this season when it comes to set pieces. 21 of their 64 goals scored this season have been from set pieces. They should have it easy against a side that has been far from convincing in dead-ball situations, conceding 50% of such goals.
The Nerazzurri now face their toughest assignment in AC Milan. They have had it tough in past meetings, such as losing four of their last six matches against this opponent. The last time they tasted victory on the road was in April 2024. It was on the same day they clinched their 20th Scudetto.
A glance at the last six Derby della Madonnina encounters between AC Milan and Inter Milan:
- 23 November 2025: Inter Milan 0-1 AC Milan
- 23 April 2025: Inter Milan 0-3 AC Milan
- 02 April 2025: AC Milan 1-1 Inter Milan
- 02 February 2025: AC Milan 1-1 Inter Milan
- 06 January 2025: Inter Milan 2-3 AC Milan
- 22 September 2024: Inter Milan 1-2 AC Milan
Given those results, Inter Milan approaches this derby knowing that they have a point to prove. What makes matters worse is that those defeats were recorded in their home ground.
Player focus: Federico Dimarco could be the man to watch
Inter Milan might be missing their top performer, Lautaro Martinez, who has been the most influential player, featuring in 23 derbies. However, all eyes will be on Federico Dimarco this time.
Dimarco has been impressive thus far for a full-back. He has been directly involved in 19 goal involvements in 25 Serie A games, scoring six goals and providing 15 assists - the most in the league. He is one assist away from matching Papu Gomez's 16 assists in a single season, a record set in 2020.
The Italian international poses an attacking threat from wide areas and has the most chances created this season, 74. He could once again be a key creative outlet for his side in this encounter.
Another player that needs attention is Francesco Pio Esposito. The youngster is making his debut for Inter Milan. He might lead the attack alongside Marcus Thuram, who should be fit in time. Esposito has scored seven goals across all competitions.
He is one goal away from etching his name in the history books and matching the numbers of Nicola Ventola, Obafemi Martins, Mario Balotelli, and Mateo Kovacic, who scored five goals in a single season before the age of 21.
