Inter Vs Milan

On Sunday, Serie A champions Inter Milan will clash with their struggling city rivals, AC Milan, at the iconic San Siro. The stakes are high as Inter seeks to secure a record seventh straight win in the historic Milan derby.

As the first derby of the season unfolds, discussions regarding a potential coaching change for AC Milan are gaining traction, particularly following their recent defeat in the Champions League. In contrast, Inter has started their title defense strongly, recently showcasing their resilience against Manchester City.

Inter Milan’s head coach, Simone Inzaghi, is poised to lead his team into this highly anticipated match, reflecting on their recent successes. Inter’s dominance in the Derby della Madonnina has left fans almost oblivious to the feeling of defeat against their fiercest rivals, having triumphed in their last six encounters across various competitions with an impressive aggregate score of 14-2.

This remarkable streak includes two victories in the 2023 Champions League semi-finals, a resounding 5-1 league win later that same year, and a memorable 2-1 win in April when the Nerazzurri secured their 20th Italian title by overcoming Milan.

Since the 2017-18 season, Inter has achieved nine victories out of 14 Serie A meetings against Milan. Their only more prolific opponents during this period have been Udinese and Hellas Verona, while they have scored more goals against only Genoa and Sampdoria.

Inzaghi now has the opportunity to surpass Milan's record streak by claiming maximum points this weekend. If successful, he would secure his eighth derby win across all competitions, placing him just two victories shy of Carlo Ancelotti, who holds the record for most derby wins.

Heading into this derby, Inter Milan occupies third place in the Serie A standings, trailing surprise leaders Udinese by two points. The team experienced a setback last week, managing only a 1-1 draw against Monza. Fortunately for Inter, Denzel Dumfries stepped up to save the day with a late equalizer.

Despite this minor hiccup, the Scudetto holders remain unbeaten this season. Their recent clash against Manchester City in the Champions League showcased their defensive prowess, as the match ended in a goalless stalemate following a tense tactical battle at the Etihad.

On the other side of the pitch, AC Milan finds itself in a precarious position. Under the guidance of head coach Paulo Fonseca, the team faced a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in their Champions League opener just a day before the derby. Although Christian Pulisic provided an early lead, Milan was unable to maintain their advantage.

Reports from various Italian media outlets suggest that Fonseca is already under significant pressure, with speculation about his job security looming large. The Rossoneri have managed to secure only one victory from their first five matches, which marks their worst start since 2018.

Currently, AC Milan sits in 10th place in the Serie A standings, having accumulated a mere five points. This lack of form has fueled speculation about potential discord between Fonseca and key players within the squad. Before the international break, concerns arose regarding his relationship with star players, prompting a reshuffle in the lineup.

In an effort to reinvigorate the team, Fonseca reinstated Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez into the starting eleven for last week’s match. This decision paid off initially, as Milan surged to a 4-0 victory against bottom-placed Venezia, with goals from Hernandez, Pulisic, Leao, and newcomer Youssouf Fofana. However, this single victory has done little to quell the rumors surrounding Fonseca’s future, especially with legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic—now serving as an adviser to the club's owners—reportedly seeking a new manager.

For the Rossoneri, victory in this derby is long overdue. The last time they claimed victory over Inter was in September 2022, shortly after Milan edged out their rivals to secure the Serie A title. This prolonged absence of derby success has only heightened the anticipation and desire among fans for a triumphant return to form against Inter.

In summary, the upcoming Milan derby promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for both clubs. Inter Milan, riding high on a wave of recent successes, will look to extend their dominance, while AC Milan seeks to reclaim their pride and halt their rival’s winning streak. As the two teams prepare to meet, all eyes will be on the San Siro, where the fierce rivalry will undoubtedly deliver an electrifying spectacle.