Prediction: AC Milan vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: bet365

AC Milan head into Derby della Madonnina in confident mood having cemented a top 3 berth, whereas at the same time, the local derby will probably serve as a final opportunity for Inter Milan to close the gap behind Champions League positions. All things considered, we should witness quite a game at Stadio San Siro.

AC Milan

Just like their bitter rivals, AC Milan have endured some tough times of late, and they hope the latest club takeover will finally push them in the right direction. Until the formalities are completed, head coach Vincenzo Montella has already proved that his team have got potential, steering the Rossoneri to third in the Serie A standings. AC Milan have now won five of their last six league outings, which is one of their best results in years, and they will certainly be hoping for more of the same when they face Inter Milan. The current squad clearly needs some tuning up, but the presence of players like Alessio Romagnoli, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Davide Calabria and Manuel Locatelli proves that future is bright for the Rossoneri, and the club only need to reinforce some weak spots in the January window. Even if AC Milan are much more consistent than they were in previous years, they still have bad days at the office, as that is the only way to explain how the impressive triumph over holders Juventus was followed by 3-0 reverse at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Vincenzo Montella can only hope that the real AC Milan turn up for Derby della Madonnina, although numerous injury problems are making life difficult for the talented tactician.

Team News

Key defender Alessio Romagnoli faces a fitness test after picking up a muscle injury, with Gustavo Gomez ready to deputise if needed.

Meanwhile, the likes of Riccardo Montolivo, Andrea Bertolacci, Davide Calabria and Leonel Vangioni are not yet ready to return.

Inter Milan

The time when Inter Milan dominated Italian and European football seems like ancient history now that the Nerazzurri are struggling to even secure Europa League football. Numerous chances to playing and coaching personnel have failed to produce desired results, with former Lazio boss Stefano Pioli the latest in the long line of managers at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. In all fairness, his predecessor Frank de Boer hadn’t done too well since taking over the reigns, but, if we’re honest, we have to admit he was not given enough time to turn things around. Even less than a third of 38 rounds of fixtures have been played, the Nerazzurri are already eight points behind top 3 positions, although with AC Milan sitting in third, they do have a chance to close the gap. The good news is that Stefano Pioli has got no important missings ahead of Derby della Madonnina, and he is expected to reinstate Gary Medel and Ivan Perisic into the starting line-up. Eder Martins is almost certain to be dropped, while top scorer Mauro Icardi will obviously continue up front. Inter have done fairly well in recent meetings with their bitter rivals, winning five of last ten competitive matches against the Rossoneri (D3 L2).

Team News

The injury situation at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza is not too bad considering that only Stefan Radu and Andrea Ranocchia are missing.

Rodrigo Palacio faces a fitness test, while Marcelo Brozovic and Ever Banega are vying for one place in the middle of the park.

Key Factors to Consider

• AC Milan have won five of last six matches (L1)
• Inter Milan lost six of last nine fixtures (W3)
• The Rossoneri recorded a 3-0 win in the same fixture last term
• Inter Milan won 5 of last 10 competitive meetings with AC Milan (D3 L2)
• Mauro Icardi netted 10 times in 12 Serie A games

Conclusion

AC Milan will want to continue the excellent run of results that saw them win five of last six matches, while Inter Milan are desperate to close the gap behind top 3 positions by winning the Derby della Madonnina. As a result, we expect to see goals galore at San Siro.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: bet365