Two of the giants of Italian Football, AC Milan and Inter Milan, will face each other in a derby clash on Sunday, popularly known as the Derby di Milano.
After having a disappointing season last year, where they finished in seventh place, AC Milan has surprised everyone this season as they currently reside in the third place, only five points behind the leader, Juventus.
Inter Milan is in a state of disarray going into this fixture. Frank de Boer, who was appointed as the head coach in August, was sacked after eleven league fixtures. Inter has replaced the former Ajax manager with Stefano Pioli, hoping to resurrect their faltering season. They now stand in the tenth place with seventeen points to their credit.
This match against their old rivals Milan will be first for new manager Pioli.
Two days until the #DerbyMilano : feed your red&black heart with our goals, to be 100% ready! ??? #weareacmilan pic.twitter.com/iqxjQ0sz76
— AC Milan (@acmilan) November 18, 2016
Derby clashes between AC and Inter Milan have historically been beguiling affairs because of the outstanding quality of the players on the pitch.
When these two football Goliaths met last time, AC Milan gloriously crushed their neighbors by 3-0. The hosts have won two, drawn one, and lost two in the recent five matches against their rivals.
Team News: AC Milan
Centre back Alessio Romagnoli picked up a muscular problem on international duty and is doubtful for the match. Manager Vincenzo will be compelled to replace him, probably with Gustavo Gomez, another reliable defender for the Milan team.
Andrea Betrolacci, Ricardo Montolivo, and Davide Calabria will also be out of the game due to injuries. Carlos Bacca is not totally fit to start the match, so Gianluca Lapadula will replace him in the number nine role.
One of the major reasons for Milan’s success this season has been the startling rise of the youngsters. Seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and 18-year-old playmaker Manuel Locatelli are continuing to put on strong performances for the seven-time European Champions.
AC Milan: Predicted Lineup
Donnarumma — Paletta, Abate, De Sciglio, Gomez — Kucka, Pasalic, Locatelli — Bonaventura, Bacca, Suso
Team News: Inter Milan
Andrea Ranocchia will miss the game due to a suspension. His partnership with Joao Miranda has been strong this season, and his absence might be a huge problem for Pioli.
Rodrigo Palacio and Cristian Ansaldi haven’t recovered fully from their injuries, and they are both uncertain for the match.
? #Icardi discusses #Pioli ‘s impact, scoring in the #DerbyMilano and a possible Argentina call-up ? https://t.co/UUgJ2Dblq3 #MilanInter #FCIM pic.twitter.com/Vzn3e5J9jL
— Inter (@Inter_en) November 18, 2016
Striker Marcus Icardi has been arguably the best player for the Nerazzurri, so he is likely to be assigned the main attacker role under the new boss, Stefano Pioli.
Inter Milan: Predicted Lineup
Handanovic — Joao Miranda, Santon, Murillo, D’Ambrosio — Joao Maria, Brozovic — Perisic, Banega, Candreva — Icardi
AC Milan Vs. Inter Milan: Prediction
AC Milan is the better side at the moment. They have won five of their last six matches and are now starting to aim for a top three finish, which will ensure their participation in the Champions League next season.
This season has shown signs of Milan’s resurgence from past years failures. It will be a very tough job for Inter’s new boss to immediately ensure positive results against the AC Milan’s side. The home side is in a comfortable position to win this exciting derby.
Final Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Inter
AC Milan Vs. Inter Milan: Betting Tips and Odds
- AC Milan win: 17/10
- A draw: 21/10
- Inter Milan win: 7/4
- Under 2.5 goals: 4/6
- Over 2.5 goals: 10/11
- Both teams score: 4/6
- Both teams fail to score: 10/11
The odds were provided by Paddypower .
Match Facts
- AC Milan has won their last four home matches in the league.
- Inter has lost their last three matches on the road (Serie A).
- AC Milan has won with a one-goal margin in their last three home matches in the league.
The match facts were provided by Whoscored .
AC Milan Vs. Inter Milan: Live Stream
The match can be streamed live online by clicking this link .
[Featured Image by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images]
