Inter Milan will clash with Serie A and Derby della Madonnina rival AC Milan on Sunday night at the San Siro. Inter are flying high in Serie A and currently sit third behind Juventus and Napoli, respectively.
The Nerazzurri have won four straight matches and go into the derby with plenty of confidence. AC Milan sit in 10th place despite being undefeated in their last six matches. Gennaro Gattuso’s team has played consistent mid-table football, but a win against Inter could propel the Rossoneri up the Serie A ladder.
The teams’ last five Serie A meetings have seen little to separate them. Three matches have ended in draws with the other two games ending in one win apiece for Inter and AC Milan, respectively. Until their nil-nil draw last season, the Derby della Madonnina had seen goals galore. The derby saw over three goals a game in four meeting between January 2016 and October 2017.
Gattuso received good news this week as captain Alessio Romagnoli, Patrick Cutrone, and Mattia Caldara returned to training. Romagnoli is expected to take his place in the heart of defence. The other two players will most likely take a place on the bench if passed fit.
Cutrone has been vital off the bench for AC Milan this term with three goals in six matches. The striker has backed up summer signing Gonzalo Higuain, who has tallied four of AC Milan’s 15 goals. Higuain tallied twice in AC Milan’s most recent victory over Chievo. Suso has been AC Milan’s main creator with six assists.
Inter leading score Mauro Icardi is in good form as well. The Argentine score twice in Inter’s last Serie A fixture against SPAL. Despite starting the season slowly, Icardi is now in form and will be key to Inter’s attack. Icardi has played well against AC Milan during his career. The striker has featured in 10 games scoring four times. With Icardi in the side, Inter have tallied a 3W-6D-3L record against AC Milan.
Midfielder Matias Vecino is the only injury worry for Inter. He has been suffering from muscle fatigue, but could return thanks to the international break giving him time off.
AC Milan have conceded at least one goal in their last six matches. The defence isn’t water tight and Inter will take advantage of holes in the backline. Although Inter haven’t scored many goals, just 12, Icardi is in form and the rest of the side is relishing the derby. Inter will achieve victory and keep the pressure on the top teams in Serie A.