AC Milan vs Inter Milan | Monday 22 April | Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro) | 20:45
The Milan Derby, also known as the “Derby della Madonnina”, is indeed one of the most intense rivalries in Italian football, if not the world. AC Milan and Inter Milan, two of the most successful and historically significant clubs in Italian football, have been battling it out for supremacy in the city of Milan for decades.
Whether it’s at the iconic San Siro stadium or on neutral ground, the Milan Derby never fails to deliver drama, tension, and excitement. It’s a clash that transcends sport and embodies the spirit of competition and rivalry at its finest.
To Win (90 mins)
AC Milan 21/10
Draw 24/10
Inter Milan 12/10
AC Milan
AC Milan faced off against relegation battlers Sassuolo previously at the Mapei Stadium and after an entertaining encounter, the match ended 3-3. The hosts stormed into a two-goal lead early on, before Rafael Leao’s brilliance brought Milan back into it. Armand Lauriente scored for a second time shortly after the interval, but the Rossoneri gradually grew dominant, and Luka Jovic pulled one back before Noah Okafor arrived from the bench to guide in their equalizer in the 84th minute to secure a well-deserved point.
Milan’s seven-game unbeaten run in Serie A is certainly impressive, especially with five wins and two draws in their last seven matches. Keeping three clean sheets during this stretch indicates not only their attacking prowess but also their defensive solidity. Heading into a derby match with this momentum is a huge bonus, as it boosts the team’s confidence and determination to continue their positive run of form. Stefano Pioli will be pleased with the team’s performances and will likely emphasize maintaining this momentum against their biggest rivals.
AC Milan’s unbeaten streak at the San Siro is a testament to their strength and resilience, creating a fortress at their home ground. A record of 10 matches without defeat is not only impressive but also provides a psychological advantage for the team, as they know they can rely on their home support and familiar surroundings to perform at their best.
This kind of consistency is crucial for any team aspiring to compete at the highest level, and it undoubtedly boosts the confidence of both players and fans alike. With such a formidable record, Milan will be looking to continue their dominance at home and maintain their strong position in the league standings.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s 2-2 draw with Cagliari previously might have been disappointing, especially considering the opportunity to edge closer to securing the 2024 Serie A title. Nonetheless, holding a comfortable 14-point lead at the top of the table speaks volumes about their dominance throughout the season. With just a few matches remaining, they’re still in a strong position to clinch their 20th Scudetto title. While the draw might have delayed the celebrations a bit, it’s likely just a minor hiccup in what has otherwise been a remarkable season for the Nerazzurri.
Inter Milan’s undefeated streak in Serie A is truly remarkable, spanning over several months and demonstrating their consistency and dominance in the league. It’s a testament to the team’s quality and resilience, as well as the impact of their coach, Simone Inzaghi. His influence on the team’s playing style and overall performance cannot be understated, as he’s built a cohesive unit that plays attractive and effective football.
The last meeting between Inter Milan and their city rivals ended in a resounding 5-1 victory for Inter. It was a match where everything seemed to click, and they executed their game plan perfectly. Simone Inzaghi will undoubtedly analyze that match to identify what worked well for his team and how they can replicate that success in the upcoming encounter.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that each match is unique, and the dynamics can change significantly from one encounter to another. While Inzaghi will undoubtedly draw inspiration from their previous victory, he’ll also need to ensure that his team remains focused and adaptable to any changes in the opposition’s approach. Nonetheless, with their current form and confidence, Inter Milan will be eager to assert their dominance once again and put their city rivals to the sword.
Prediction: Inter Milan with BTTS.
Given Inter Milan’s impressive unbeaten run, their strong defensive organization, and attacking prowess, I see Inter walking away with maximum points. However, AC Milan’s resilience, especially at home, cannot be discounted.
Written by Marc Strydom.