Ahead of this weekend’s meeting between Internazionale and AC Milan, we explore the ins and outs of the Derby della Madonnina, from the history of the rivalry to key stats and everything in between.
On Sunday, Inter and Milan are set to do battle at their shared home, Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro). The old foes are separated by just two points in the Serie A table, with second-placed Inter leading fifth-placed Milan.
Believe it or not, you have to go all the way back to January 1909 to relive the first meeting between the cross-city rivals. Milan claimed a 3-2 victory over Inter on that occasion, setting the tone for one of world football’s great derbies.
To this day, the iconic Milan clubs have contested 305 games – 234 official and 71 unofficial. AC Milan have claimed the most wins overall (116), although Inter have won the most official matches (86).
The largest Derby di Milano victory came back in 2001, when Milan thrashed Inter 6-0. On that occasion, Andriy Shevchenko scored twice for the Rossoneri, enhancing his tally of goals against Inter.
In fact, Shevchenko is the highest scorer in Derby della Madonnina history. The legendary Ukrainian striker netted a whopping 14 goals for Milan against Inter, with Giuseppe Meazza (13), Gunnar Nordahl (11) and Istvan Nyres (11) close behind.
It is also worth noting that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Enrio Candiani both have 10 Derby di Milano goals to their name, as both players have scored for both Inter and Milan in this fixture.
In terms of Derby della Madonnina appearances, Paolo Maldini has racked up more than anyone else. The iconic Milan defender faced Inter no fewer than 56 times, spending his entire career with the Rossoneri.
Javier Zanetti (47), Giuseppe Bergomi (44), Alessandro Costacurta (43), Gianni Rivera (42), Giacinto Facchetti (40), Sandro Mazzola (40) and Giuseppe Meazza (40) are the only other players to have chalked up 40+ appearances.
The arch rivals have already faced each other on two occasions this season. After Milan beat Inter 3-2 in the league, the Nerazzurri gained their revenge with a 3-0 victory in the Suppercoppa Italiana.
Milan will leapfrog Inter in the table if they win on Sunday, but Inter will move five points clear of the Rossoneri if they triumph. Needless to say, the next instalment of the Derby della Madonnina is destined to be another thrilling encounter.