One of the most exciting fixtures on the Serie A calendar will take place at the San Siro this weekend as Milan host their fiercest rivals Inter Milan. The latest edition of the famous Derbi della Madonnina could already determine the fate of Milan’s faint title hopes.
Despite being unbeaten in his first eight league games in charge of Milan (5G, 3B), Ruben Amorim is responsible for the club’s second-worst start to a season since 2019/20. A total of 18 points from the first nine rounds left the Rossoneri seven behind joint leaders Inter and Lazio ahead of the weekend.
With that in mind, anything but a win in this mouth-watering contest will spell the end of Milan’s quest for a remarkable 20th Scudetto. However, that’s easier said than done, especially considering the form Inter are in for this match. Cristian Chivu’s men have made an almost flawless start to their title defence.
Inter Milan came late to beat Venice in the middle of Serie A as two own goals from the Winged Lions after 75 minutes saw them to a 2-0 victory. The Nerazzurri have dropped just once so far this season (8G, 1B) and are currently level on points with Lazio and four behind third-placed Roma.
Match preview
Milan
Amorim’s unbeaten Serie A run came to an abrupt end on Wednesday as Bologna thrashed Milan 4-2 at the San Siro. Raffaele Palladino’s side brutally exposed Milan’s defensive frailty, which has seen the Rossoneri concede at least two goals in three of their last four games in all competitions.
The San Siro has been nothing short of a fortress this term, with two of Amorim’s three defeats coming at this stadium (W3). If it’s any consolation, Milan have scored two or more goals in four of their five competitive home games in 2026/27, with the exception of a 2-0 loss to Benfica in the Europa League.
The fact that Milan have lost just one of their last 13 home league matches in this starting slot (G7, D5) may come from added confidence. Given that the Rossoneri are enjoying their longest unbeaten run in this fixture in more than 20 years, we argue that this encouraging trend is not beyond the realm of possibility despite their recent struggles.
Inter
Paradoxical as it may sound, Inter have failed to beat AC Milan in their last seven meetings in all competitions (D2, L5), losing both Serie A matches last season by draws. Reigning Scudetto holders keen to buck this frustrating trend are launching legal proceedings on the back of their best league start since 1988/89.
Chivu’s charges developed a “never give up” mentality that put them in the driver’s seat here. For context, they’ve taken a league-high 13 points from conceding positions this season (4, D1), suggesting no-one dare write them off even if they concede first in the derby.
Inter have also been too hot to handle in the bottom third, scoring 25 goals in nine Serie A matches, more than any other team. Plus, they’ve been ruthless at the San Siro this season, winning all five of their competitive home matches, which bodes well, despite being a designated away side.
Team News
Samuel Chukwueze, Mattia Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will not be at Amorim’s disposal on Saturday. However, Diego Moreira, Adrien Rabiot and Mario Gila could return to the squad after missing the match against Bologna, with the former likely to replace Davide Bartesaghi on the left wing.
As for Inter, long-term absentees John Stones, Curtis Jones, Luis Henrique and Benjamin Pavard remain on the bench. However, the absence of captain Lautaro Martinez is the biggest blow, with Ange-Yoan Bonny replacing him in attack at the expense of Francesco Pio Esposito.
Milan vs Inter Potential Kick Off Previews
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic, Estupinan; Musah, Jashari; Hutchinson, Cisse, Moreira; Ramos.
Inter (3-5-2): Provedel, Augusto, Bisseck, Bastoni; Diouf, Zielenski, Stankovic, Sucic, Dimarco; Bonny, Thuram.
Milan – Inter Prediction
Despite Inter’s superior form and attacking prowess, Milan’s impressive record in this fixture makes it difficult to call the Derby della Madonnina. Amorim’s side have struggled defensively in recent weeks, but the potential returns of Rabiot, Moreira and Gila could provide a timely boost.
Some of the loot may be on the cards.
Prediction: draw
| Follow us Google News For more updates on Serie A and Italian football |