As Inter return from the international break they do so with a very tough run of matches, not least challenging of which will be the highly anticipated Derby Della Madonnina. Match on tomorrow night at 20:30 CET.
There is nothing quite like the Milan derby. While certain European “Super Matches” such as the El Clasico, the United-Liverpool showdown and more recently the Manchester Derby can claim some notoriety and grab general public interest, the fact that the Derby Della Madonnina is contested between to continental and domestic powerhouses who share one of the world’s most iconic and historic stadiums makes this match-up electric in a way unlike any other.
Recent years have seen both Milanese sides suffer tremendously during phases of forced rebuilding, restructuring and even reincarnation, and now we are here; a day or two away from one of the most meaningful derbies in almost a decade. Inter finally have a project in place that can match its’ supporters ambitions and Milan seem to have finally shaken the post-Berlusconi hangover off. Both sides have their respective eyes set on their highest league finishes either have seen in at least half a decade, and both sides seem to think of this derby as a line in the sand to show the world how serious their dreams are.
As the “home” side and based on recent form, Inter can be assumed by most as the favorite to walk away with all three points. In order to do so, the Nerazzurri need to keep a very tight grip on Milan’s prolific front line of Gonzalo Higuain, Hakan Calhanoglu and Suso. The Rossoneri trio are more than capable of tormenting any of Europe’s top defensive lines and Inter will need to rely on all of Kwadwo Asamoah’s championship experience to keep Milan’s wiley winger Suso in check. Gonzalo Higuain has proven himself, in three different Serie A shirts, to be a top goal scorer, but Inter’s duo of Milan Skriniar and Stefan DiVrij can be relied on to contain him for the most part.
The biggest nugget of intrigue lies in how Inter will approach the match offensively; there are many reports in the Italian press that seem to believe that Radja Nainggolan will replace the fatigued Matias Vecino in a more defensive role next to Marcelo Brozovic as a more holding player in the center of the pitch thereby allowing the eyebrow-raising Lautaro Martinez to play off Mauro Icardi in some rendition of a 4-2-2-2 formation. Should Luciano Spaletti opt to utilize his Belgian powerhorse in his preferred trequarista-esque role, then expect the Nerzzurri to start in the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation with Ivan Perisic and the impressive Matteo Politano flanking striker Mauro Icardi.
Team News
The footballing gods have been kind to the Nerazzurri and thankfully all players seem to have completed their international duties with no injuries picked up. Even more fortuitously, injured and exhausted players such as Brozovic, Vrsalijko and Nainggolan seem to have used the week wisely to recuperate and regain full fitness. That being said, expect Danilo D’Ambrosio to still be used as the starting right-back. Tests have also revealed that Matias Vecino’s troubles are nothing more than muscular fatigue and so will also be available for selection.
Probable Inter line-up (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; Asamoah, DiVrij, Skriniar, D’Ambrosio; Borozovic, Gagliardini; Politano, Nainggolan, Perisic; Icardi (C)
Stats
Last Season: Inter 3 – 2 Milan.
Last 10 Head to Head: Very difficult to balance the scales between the two sides over the last ten Serie A matches; Inter have won three matches, Milan have won two, but the most frequently occurring result has been a draw.
Keep an eye on
Radja Nainggolan: The Ninja has been very vocal in the run-up to the derby. The Belgian tough-guy has made it clear that he’s fired up for the derby and is looking for nothing but a win. With a week’s training and no international team commitments to help Radja regain full fitness and form, expect him to play a leading part on how the match ends.
Officials
Referee: Marco Guida.
Assistants: Meli and Passeri.
Fourth Official: Maresca.
VAR Officials: Irrati and Giallatini.
Prediction & concluding remarks
Prediction & scorers: Inter 3-1 Milan with an Icardi brace and Nainggolan also scoring.
Concluding remarks: If Inter are a side of two halves, then it is much better for the Nerazzurri to consolidate and fortify in the first half, looking for a cheeky goal off a set play and then come out aggressively in the second half. What is essential is not to go behind to Milan at any point in time. Milan must be forced to chase the result from the first minute.