Inter Milan and AC Milan are two of the biggest sides in Italy, both based in the city of Milan. The rivalry between the two sides is one of the fiercest in the world of football.
Their meetings are always highly anticipated in the Serie A. The Derby della Madonnina, as it is known, has a rich history dating back over a century and has produced some of the most iconic moments in Italian football history.
This article will examine the passionate and intriguing rivalry between them, exploring the record, the players, and the moments that have defined this great clash.
Historical Context
There’s a reason why everyone anticipates the meetings between these two sides. A lot has transpired between them over the years. Hence, You should know the two clubs’ history to understand the intense rivalry between them.
The Formation of AC Milan & Inter Milan
AC Milan was founded in 1899 by a group of English expatriates. Inter (originally named Football Club Internazionale) was formed in 1908 by Italian and Swiss football enthusiasts. Over time, the two sides developed distinct identities and fan bases, and their rivalry began to take shape.
Early Years Of The Derby
The first official Milan Showdown was played on January 18, 1909, with AC emerging as 3-2 winners. The two sides were evenly matched in the early years, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance.
However, it was in the 1960s that the Derby della Madonnina became a major event in Italian soccer, with both sides competing for domestic and European titles.
Memorable Milan Derby Moments
One of the most iconic moments in the fixture’s history came in the 1965 European Cup final, where Inter defeated AC 3-1 to claim their second European crown.
Other memorable moments include the infamous “Battle of the Giuseppe Meazza” in 2001, where both sides finished the game with just nine players, and the unforgettable 4-0 victory for AC Milan in the 2005 UCL final, where they avenged their defeat to Liverpool in the previous year’s final.
The Rivalry’s Impact on Italian Football
The rivalry between them is one of the most intense. It has had a significant impact on Italian soccer. It has also attracted interests at the international stage. Let’s see its influence on the domestic league and across the globe.
Influence On Serie A
The rivalry between these two sides has driven up the level of competition in the league. Inter and AC have attracted some of the best players in the world, which has elevated the league’s quality of play. This has also increased the viewership of Serie A matches domestically and internationally.
Domestic & International Successes
Both sides have won numerous Serie A titles and succeeded in European competitions. For example, Inter won the treble (Serie A, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Champions League) in the 2009-2010 season, while AC has won seven UCL titles, second only to Real Madrid.
The two sides will be locking heads again on an international stage in the UCL Semis in 2023.
Key Players and Managers
Derby della Madonnina has seen many legendary players and managers on both sides of the rivalry. Let’s see some iconic players and influential managers who have left their mark on the duel.
Iconic Players In The Derby’s History
Over the years, the clash has featured some of the greatest players to grace the game, from the goal-scoring exploits of Inter’s Giuseppe Meazza and AC’s Andriy Shevchenko to the midfield mastery of Inter’s Javier Zanetti and AC’s Andrea Pirlo. Fans have witnessed thrilling displays of individual brilliance, with players leaving an indelible mark on the fixture.
Influential Managers & Their Tactics
The Showdown has also witnessed some of the most tactically astute managers. The legendary Helenio Herrera pioneered the “catenaccio” defensive system at Inter.
There’s also AC’s Carlo Ancelotti, who implemented a fluid and attacking style of play. Other influential managers in the rivalry include the likes of Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello, and Jose Mourinho.
The Role Of Fans And Ultras
The Encounter is not just a match between two sides but a clash of cultures and identities. It is deeply rooted in the city’s history.
And, the passion and devotion of their supporters reflect this. Let’s explore the role of fans and ultras in the crosstown rivalry.
Fierce Loyalties And Fan Culture
The fans’ loyalty and devotion to their respective sides are a significant part of the duel’s allure. The two sides’ supporters have developed their unique identities and traditions over the years, with ultras playing a prominent role in fan culture.
The showdown has seen some fantastic displays of fan passion. Both sets of supporters make their presence felt in the stands.
The Derby Atmosphere
It is an experience that extends beyond 90 minutes of play. The atmosphere inside the San Siro stadium on derby day is electric.
The two sets of supporters create an intense and intimidating atmosphere for the players. The noise and color generated by the fans add to the spectacle, making the game one of the most exciting events in world soccer.
Betting On The Milan Derby
Betting on the clash is a popular pastime for fans and spectators worldwide. With two of Italy’s most successful and storied football sides going head-to-head, the betting markets are always busy.
The fans often look forward to placing a wager on the outcome of the game. Here’s a look at the odds for the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash between Inter Milan and AC Milan in 2023.
Betting Markets & Opportunities
Inter is the favorite to win, with a probability of 39.2%. AC has a win probability of 33.66%. The likelihood of a draw is 27.1%.
The most likely scoreline for an Inter win in best football betting sites is 0-1 with a probability of 10.93%, followed by 1-2 (8.32%) and 0-2 (7.07%).
Both teams to score has a possibility of 50.19%. In comparison, over 2.5 goals have a probability of 44.83%, and over 3.5 goals have a chance of 23.59%.
Tips For Betting On The Derby
Consider recent form, team news, home advantage, and head-to-head records when betting on the game. Looking at the last 15 meetings between them, Inter Milan has been the recent favorite.
They won eight matches, lost only three, and drew four. Also, keep an eye on individual player performances. Star players can often make a difference in a game.
The Future of the Rivalry
Inter Milan has recently dominated the rivalry, winning most of their encounters. They also won the Serie A title in the 2020-21 season.
But, AC has been showing signs of resurgence under the leadership of their coach Stefano Pioli and their young squad.
Current State Of The Teams
The financial futures of both of them are still being determined, as they are still unsure if they will be playing in the UCL next season.
Inter may be forced to sell one of their big-name players if they fail to qualify, while AC’s long-term financial project may hit a major bump.
Both sides are looking up at Napoli, Lazio, Juventus, and Roma in the Serie A table. They hope to claw their way back into a top-four spot in the remaining eight matches of the season.
Prospects For Upcoming Derbies
The upcoming showdown in the UCL semi finals is crucial for both sides. Winning the competition will give them a path to next season’s edition.
However, even if either team wins the clash, beating Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final will not be easy. Regardless of the outcome, the financial consequences of missing out on the UCL cannot be downplayed.
As such, both sides will aim for a top-four finish in Serie A to secure their financial futures.
The rivalry is expected to remain intense and fiercely competitive in the future. Both sides aim to win titles and establish dominance not just in Italy but also in Europe.
Conclusion
The passionate rivalries between the two continues will be an intense and compelling fixture in Serie A. The upcoming game in the UCL semi finals only adds excitement.
But, both sides face significant financial uncertainty. The prospect of missing out on next season’s UCL looms over them.
As the race for a top-four finish in Serie A heats up, both sides hope to secure a place in Europe’s premier club competition.
Still, they will need to navigate a tricky set of fixtures in the season’s remaining weeks. The future of the Milano Showdown remains uncertain. Still, one thing is for sure – the passion and intensity of this historic rivalry will endure.
