The upcoming derby match between Inter Milan and AC Milan is shaping up to be a clash between “pragmatic” and “gigantic” styles.
This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
The Milan derby is, regardless of circumstances, always one of Italian football’s showcase occasions.
But for the upcoming edition, the timing of the fixture has heightened its importance all the more so.
The Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri are the two teams remaining in Serie A who still have perfect records. With three wins, zero draws, and zero losses each, the city rivals are the early favourites for the title.
Therefore, the head-to-head match could already be a title-decider. It will certainly have the feel of one.
And the Gazzetta argues that the derby could be a real barometer of which team’s style is better suited to go all the way.
Inter Vs AC Milan A Clash Of Styles
In the case of Inter, the Gazzetta describe the Nerazzurri’s approach as pragmatic.
The Nerazzurri’s 4-0 thrashing of Fiorentina was a case in point.
Inter did not enjoy the majority of possession against La Viola. But they were nothing short of ruthless in terms of how they used the ball when they had it.
In Inter’s first three matches of the season, Simone Inzaghi has set his team up to carry out a specific plan.
The team are organized to win the ball back and then attack quickly.
When they are clinical and technically assured, the Nerazzurri are devastating, even if they remain coiled and pick their moments to strike.
Milan, on the other hand, have looked to simply swamp their opposition so far this season.
Even in tough matches against teams like Torino and Roma, the Rossoneri have looked to dominate possession early.
In midfield, new signings Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijani Reijnders have given Milan a new-look trio. So far, the Englishman’s physicality has given the Rossoneri a major foothold in the midfield battle, whilst the Dutchman has proven impossible for opposition to get near.
And Stefano Pioli’s switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 system this season has given a new dynamic to his forward line.
Milan’s star man Rafael Leao has had greater license to attack than ever. And on the opposition flank, new arrival Christian Pulisic has looked like a real partner for Leao.
The effect of this new-look style of play for Milan is not really as direct and lethal in single moments as their city rivals.
Rather, the Rossoneri have simply overwhelmed their opponents with pressure and chances until the door finally breaks down.
