The Derby della Madonnina, also known as “Derby de Milan”, is one of the world’s oldest men’s professional football derbies. The derby involves the football teams of Inter Milan and AC Milan, dating as early as January 10, 1909.

The Derby della Madonnina has been played 244 times between Milan’s two biggest clubs. Inter Milan, also called “Inter”, “Internazionale” or “Nerazzurri”, has been more successful in head-to-head meetings.

Inter has recorded 91 wins across all competitions, while AC Milan has managed 82 victories and 71 matches have finished as draws. Let’s take a closer look at the history of this iconic football derby and reveal some of Inter’s most memorable victories. 

How Did The Inter–Milan Rivalry Begin?

The Inter–Milan rivalry began in 1908 when a group of players and officials split from AC Milan to form Football Club Internazionale. The split happened because AC Milan restricted the signing of foreign players, while the new club, Inter, welcomed international talent.

The first official Derby della Madonnina took place in 1909 and Inter won 3–2, setting the tone for over a century of fierce competition. This rivalry quickly became more than football, symbolising cultural and social divides within the city.

AC Milan came to represent the working class, while Inter was linked with the wealthier and international side of Milan. The rivalry has grown ever since, shaping Italian football and producing unforgettable moments on the world stage.

The first-ever derby between Inter Milan and AC Milan took place over 100 years ago, and saw AC Milan beat Inter 3-2. The league in which they both competed at the time was the Prima Categoria.

All games have been played at the San Siro Stadium, which is the home stadium of both clubs. Inter won their first game 5-0 and their second game 5-1 the following season, but went on to lose their next six derbies. Inter would have to wait until the 1913/14 season before their next three consecutive wins. 

WWI meant there were no more games until the 1920/21 season, in which both games ended in a draw. Over the next 100 years of derbies, the two sides have put on some fantastic displays, which have included some legendary comebacks and iconic goals.

The Derby della Madonnina has evolved over the years, and it has come to symbolise not only intense competition but also local pride for the fans of both teams and serious bragging rights for the victor of each derby. 

Which Are Derby della Madonnina’s Biggest Stars?

The Derby della Madonnina has been shaped by legendary players like Ronaldo Nazario, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Filippo Inzaghi and Lautaro Martínez and each name reflects a moment that defines Milan’s greatest rivalry.

Ronaldo Nazario admitted the emotional burden of the fixture when he said “The derby was one of the most bittersweet moments of my career,” which confirmed how triumphs over AC Milan carried both pride and pain.

Zlatan Ibrahimović captured the scale of the match when he declared “The Derby della Madonnina is the biggest game on the planet,” which positioned the clash above any other in world football.

The Derby della Madonina atmosphere was a weapon for Ibrahimović, who explained, “The more they whistle, the better,” which revealed his ability to convert hostility into motivation. 

Derby della Madonina star Romelu Lukaku injected fire into the contest when he shouted after scoring, “I’m the best… Me, me!” which underlined the personal rivalries embedded within the team battle.

Lautaro Martínez emerged as Inter’s modern force and his goals continue to confirm Inter’s supremacy in recent meetings.

The meaning of the Derby della Madonnina was reinforced by Simone Inzaghi, who stated “I am proud to have won some derbies last season… but what we did in the past is not enough to win tomorrow.” His words proved that every derby resets history and creates a new contest for Milan’s football crown.

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Legendary Moments and Iconic Goals

Find below a list of legendary moments and iconic goals from the Derby della Madonnina.

  • Ronaldo Nazario’s 1998 Goal. Ronaldo Nazario scored a memorable solo effort against AC Milan in 1998. The goal symbolised his explosive power and skill, cementing his status as a global star.
  • Adriano’s 2005 Wonder Strike. Adriano unleashed a left-footed rocket in the 2005 Coppa Italia semi-final. The goal reflected Inter’s dominance at the time and remains one of his most iconic moments.
  • Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Brace In 2010. Zlatan Ibrahimović scored twice in a famous 2010 derby. His performance highlighted his ability to change games single-handedly and turned the tide in Milan’s favor.
  • Diego Milito’s Double In 2012. Diego Milito netted twice in a 4-2 Inter victory in 2012. The goals underlined his importance as a consistent scorer in crucial matches.
  • Lautaro Martinez’s Header In 2023. Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive header in the 2023 Champions League semi-final. The goal sent Inter to the final and became a modern symbol of derby triumph.

Who Will Win The Next Derby Della Madonnina?

The first Derby della Madonnina of the 2025/26 season will ensue on November 23. Inter will act as the hosts, and their supporters will flock into the San Siro expecting a victory.

At this stage, predicting a winner remains premature, but the Nerazzurri will certainly be hellbent on erasing their Derby woes from the previous campaign.