Inter Milan vs AC Milan – Serie A – Preview, Team News and Updates

21 Sep 2024 ScoreWaves Staff view

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While the Premier League has captured the imagination of football fans around the globe in recent years, i it has somewhat overshadowed the Italian Serie A. However, with a thrilling lineup of fixtures ahead, attention will soon turn to Serie A, especially as AC Milan and Inter Milan prepare for their highly anticipated clash on Sunday.

The two Milan giants are ready to script a new chapter in this storied derby, as they meet for the first time this season. However, their paths have been quite different so far. Inter Milan have enjoyed a strong start, remaining unbeaten with two wins and two draws in their first four Serie A matches. In contrast, AC Milan find themselves struggling in 10th place, with just one victory to their name. Adding to their woes, Milan fell to Liverpool at the San Siro in their Champions League opener, while Inter impressed with a resilient 0-0 draw against reigning English champions Manchester City.

The heat is building on AC Milan's new head coach, Paulo Fonseca. If he fails to secure a positive result in the Derby Della Madonnina, whispers of his potential departure will only grow louder. So, fans, brace yourselves. This Milan derby has everything you could ask for—rich history, fierce passion, intense drama, and most importantly, bragging rights on the line!

Inter Milan vs AC Milan – Match Preview

You could be forgiven for thinking that one of Europe’s fiercest rivalries is always tightly contested. However, that couldn’t be further away from the truth. Inter Milan have won six straight Milan derbies, a run which stretches back to September 2022. Such has been Inter’s dominance that they won those six Derby Della Madonnina by an aggregate scoreline of 14-2. In their most recent clash, the Nerazzurri clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory, which secured them their 20th Scudetto. This win not only solidified their dominance but also stung AC Milan even more, as it means Inter now have one more Scudetto than their archrivals.

Now, the Nerazzurri are gunning for their 21st Serie A title. And so far, it looks like Simone Inzaghi’s men are the team to beat this season. With five games played this season (4 in Serie A and 1 in Champions League), Inter are still unbeaten. However, Inter’s performance in their previous match versus Monza left a lot to be desired. The Nerazzurri needed an 88th minute Denzel Dumfries goal to secure a draw against a winless AC Monza side. Despite this minor setback, Inter bounced back with a hard-fought stalemate in their midweek tie against Manchester City. Their defensive organization was lauded by fans and pundits alike, especially for keeping Erling Haaland off the scoresheet for the first time this season.

In stark contrast, the Rossoneri have endured an underwhelming start to the season. Their sole win of the season came against a Venezia side who are rock bottom in Serie A standings. Moreover, despite taking an early lead through Christian Pulisic in their Champions League opener, Milan squandered their lead after a lackluster defensive performance. It’s safe to suggest that the Rossoneri haven’t had the best of starts under the guidance of Paulo Fonseca. Fans are already beginning to turn on the Portuguese coach. And if he doesn’t get a positive result against Inter, calls for his sacking will only get louder.

Inter Milan vs AC Milan – Team News and Updates

Milan’s attack is set to be spearheaded by either Álvaro Morata or Tammy Abraham, with Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão providing support. Leão has been particularly impactful, having been directly involved in five league goals against Inter, only surpassed by his contributions against Hellas Verona and Roma.

However, coach Paulo Fonseca faces a significant concern with goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who had to come off during the last match. With experienced backup Marco Sportiello still unavailable, the young Lorenzo Torriani might find himself thrown into the action under immense pressure. Injuries are also plaguing the squad, with Ismael Bennacer (ankle), Alessandro Florenzi (ACL), and Malick Thiaw (ankle) all sidelined.

Meanwhile, Federico Dimarco is expected to return after missing midweek action due to a muscle issue, potentially taking over from Carlos Augusto on the left. Moreover, Lautaro Martínez is also expected to rejoin the starting lineup. Though he hasn't found the net yet this season and began on the bench against Manchester City, he has a solid track record, averaging a goal every other game in 16 previous matches against Milan.

Marcus Thuram, who has been on fire, will definitely start up front. Having scored in both of his Milan derbies so far, he’s looking to join the ranks of legends like Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku by netting in his first three appearances in this iconic fixture.