Both teams are on polar opposite runs of form as they meet up for the Derby Della Madonnina. Inter have been on an awful stretch that has seen them drop from title contenders to fourth place hopefuls, while Milan have a renewed sense of self belief and purpose. Match on Sunday at 20:45CET
There’s no rationalizing the run of form Inter have been on. There’s no logical explanation of the edgy performance against Benevento or the home loss against Udinese or any other result that has disappointed the Inter faithful and threatened the side’s once-iron-clad CL credentials.
That said, there’s no better platform on which to launch the Nerzzurri renaissance than the Derby della Madonnina. Inter seem to have been able to do it all in terms of game-play, except actually win a match,. Milan on the other hand have been on a riot, despite their below par performances the Rossoneri have approached matches with a sense of belief and purpose that has led to their climb back up the Serie A rankings.
It seems almost certain that Luciano Spaletti will enter the match with one thing on his mind: Beat Milan and take all three points home. Accordingly, expect him [Spaletti] to field an offensively driven side with Ivan Perisic, Antonio Candreva and Yann Karamoh supporting Icardi up front. The dynamic duo of Perisic and Candrecva will hopefully find their assisting boots fore Maurito, while the young and brash Karamoh can always add the x-factor to any high-profile match.
What is also clear is that Spletti is the more thoughtful and cognizant of the two coaches. However, Rinho Gauttuso represents more that than just a pitbull; his methods have seen the Rossoneri jump from mid table perennials to top four contenders. Milan have not lost since right before Christmas of 2017.
the Inter supporters still seem to be fully in line with club management and strategy. But this is not a given, as long as Inter are able to realistically contend for a Champions League spot the tifosi will support the side, but if the Nerazzurri are to fall behind Milan, heads will roll.
Team News
The big news out of the Inter camp is the availability of all previously injured players; the derby will see the return of both Joao Miranda and Mauro Icardi to the starting eleven for the first time in weeks. While Rafinha is also fit to start the match, he will probably make way for Roberto Gagliardini in midfield, giving Spaletti the option of utilizing him(Rafinha) off the bench if necessary.
Probable Inter line-up (subject to change): (4-2-3-1) Handanovic (C); D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Skriniar, Cancelo; Vecino, Gagliardini; Perisic, Candreva, Karamoh; Icardi
Stats
Last Season: Milan 2 – 2 Inter
Last 10 Head to Head: Draws have been the name of the game when both sides have met in recent history. Points have been shared in the last five of ten league encounters, however, Inter slightly edge Milan out in win with three to the Rossorneri’s two.
Keep an Eye on
Mauro Icardi: The undoubted star and sensation of the first-leg match is finally back from his long term injury and will be chomping on the bit to get back on the scoresheet especially against the Rossoneri. Icardi’s return to the bench last week coincided with Inter’s hard-fought win against Benevento, and maybe his return to the starting eleven can coincide with Inter’s return to form.
Officials
Referee: Marco Di Bello
Assistants: Galliatini, Dobosz
Fourth Official: Doveri
Additional Assistants: Orsato, Schenone
Prediction & Authors Note
Prediction & scorers: Milan 1-3 Inter with Icardi scoring a brace and Perisic killing the match off.
Author’s Note: Not much to say except all we can hope for is a performance worthy of Inter’s ambitions to reach the Champions League and a controversy-free match. Sempre, e solo, Forza Inter!
