Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 57/50
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Inter Milan and AC Milan are both in excellent form, with three wins from three matches each. This sets the stage for an exciting clash as they battle for top spot in Serie A in the first Derby della Madonnina of the season on Saturday, within round four of the season in the Serie A.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan has an impressive record against AC Milan, having won their last four meetings without conceding a goal. They are now aiming to achieve five consecutive derby wins for the first time in their history. Inter is also gunning for top spot in Serie A and looking to make an early statement in the title race.
Victorious from their clashes against Monza at home and away to Cagliari, the Nerazzurri faced thrashed Fiorentina at home by 4-0 going into the international break, with Marcus Thuram breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute, Lautaro Martinez netting twice (53′, 73′), and a goal from former Milan man Hakan Calhanoglu in between (58′).
Though with just 39% of possession, Inter managed to take a total of 21 shots in that game, hitting the target 11 times, while the visitors could get off more than six in total, two on target.
Team News
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is expected to field the same starting XI in the upcoming match, as he is likely to have a fully fit squad at his disposal this weekend. The only minor injury concerns are related to Francesco Acerbi (muscular) and Juan Cuadrado (tendinitis), both of whom are expected to be on the bench.
Despite their impressive performances with two goals each during the international break, summer signings Davide Frattesi and Marko Arnautovic are set to play limited roles once again.
Lautaro Martinez is anticipated to be in excellent shape after playing just five minutes in Argentina’s match against Bolivia. As Inter’s captain, he will aim to add to his tally of eight goals against Milan in all competitions. In Inter’s derby history, only Giuseppe Meazza, the namesake of the stadium commonly known as San Siro, and Stefano Nyers have scored more.
AC Milan
Despite their recent misfortunes, especially in last season’s Champions League semi-final, Milan has managed to win three of their last six league encounters with Inter. This is as many victories as they achieved in the previous 19 meetings combined.
However, in their most recent Serie A clash in early February, Milan came up short, losing 1-0 to Inter due to a first-half goal from Lautaro Martinez.
Now, the Rossoneri face their city rivals with both teams level on points for the first time since May 2001. Milan may draw inspiration from that previous occasion when they celebrated a remarkable 6-0 victory.
Coach Stefano Pioli, who had a brief stint as Inter’s boss in the past without much success, has revamped his midfield this summer. His team has started the season strongly, winning all three of their opening games.
Milan’s triumphs this season include victories over Bologna away and Torino at home, and a particularly important one away to AS Roma. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring after just nine minutes and Rafael Leao increased their lead in the 48th, before Leonardo Spinazzola provided some late comfort for the Romans in second-half injury time.
Team News
Following a promising beginning to the 2023/24 season, Pioli is likely to stick with a familiar lineup. However, one change is mandatory: Fikayo Tomori will be serving a suspension due to his red card against Roma.
With Pierre Kalulu sidelined due to injury, the vastly experienced veteran Simon Kjaer is expected to pair up with Malick Thiaw in the center of Milan’s defense. In the attacking setup, Christian Pulisic and Leao will join Giroud up front, operating within a 4-3-3 formation.
Conclusion
Inter and Milan currently not only share the top spot on the table, but they’ve both netted the highest number of goals in Serie A this season, eight each. Nevertheless, the upcoming Saturday’s match is anticipated to be a closely contested affair, as the fear of losing in the derby plays a significant role.
Consequently, it is likely that scoring two goals would suffice to secure a victory, and given the potent attacking capabilities of the Nerazzurri, they have the potential to achieve this and once again emerge triumphant against their Rossoneri counterparts.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 57/50
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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