AC Milan vs Inter: Match Preview and Prediction
Kick-off: Saturday 31 October, 8:45pm Italy time (7:45pm GMT), San Siro
Derby week is always an odd time, as form can often go out the window and just looking at the table can be misleading. However, this match does have a clear narrative going into it. Inter are performing very well in the league, Milan aren’t having such a great time and Inter’s captain is missing.
Team Forms
According to the current FotMob and SofaScore tables, Inter are currently top of the Serie A league with 25 points off the back of 9 games. They have won 8 games, drawn once and lost none, giving them a +15 goal difference. However, Lazio are level on points with them.
Milan are sitting in fifth place with 18 points. They have won 5 games, 3 draws and lost once. They have scored 18 goals but conceded 11 goals. This leaves them 7 points behind Inter, which is a large amount already. If they win this derby they will close the gap to just 4 points and completely change the mood of the club.
Looking at the average player ratings on SofaScore, Inter average about an 8.1 rating per player whereas Milan average a 7.5 rating per player. This shows that there is a decent gap between both teams and shows that on the pitch Inter have been playing better week on week. AC Milan vs Inter: Match Preview and Prediction
Milan’s recent form
Milan ended their last match with a 4-2 defeat at home to Bologna on Wednesday. Losing 4-2 to mid-table side Bologna at the San Siro is a bitter result. Scoring 4 goals at home is something a manager will remember.
Rúben Amorim will be involved in his first Milan derby, and they’re a developing squad. They like to play with a back three and high-pressing wing-backs. While this can be very effective, sometimes it can go wrong like against Bologna. Leaving space between the full backs and defenders.
They have some great attacking options as well. Pulisic and Gonçalo Ramos are standout players, but the young midfielder Alphadjo Cissé has stood out. Their quick and direct style makes them dangerous to any team, but can they stay disciplined?
Injuries are an issue again. Reports have listed Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Samuel Chukwueze all being unavailable. However, derby day can change quickly so always double check that they’re unavailable.
Inter’s form
Inter have had an excellent season in the league, winning 8/9 matches. They put in a comfortable 2-0 win over Venezia midweek. They have a solid defence and lots of attacking avenues.
But their European form has been poor. Only taking 3 points from their first 3 Champions League matches and losing 3-0 to Club Brugge at home. They’re not a perfect team. They’ve been excellent in Serie A, but have looked shaky outside of that.
Lautaro Martínez is the main talking point. Confirmed by Chivu to have sustained a muscle injury playing against Brugge, he won’t be available until after the international break. That’s a huge blow for Milan. He’s their captain, main goalscorer and tends to perform in these games.
They’re also reported to be missing Benjamin Pavard, John Stones, Curtis Jones and Luis Henrique. But overall they’ll be able to field a strong starting XI. Marcus Thuram should be leading the line with likely Pio Esposito beside him. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nicolò Barella and Federico Dimarco will be looking to control the game from midfield. And Alessandro Bastoni, Manuel Akanji and Yann Bisseck will be solid at the back. AC Milan vs Inter: Match Preview and Prediction
Things to look out for
With Milan playing the wingbacks up high there could be lots of chances for Inter to play in between the fullbacks. We saw this against Bologna but Inter will definitely exploit this more.
Attack without Lautaro. While Thuram is a good player and Esposito poses a serious threat, replacing Lautaro’s movement and finishing is tough. They may struggle to create as much as normal.
Midfield battle. The midfield battle between Çalhanoğlu and Barella will be key to see who can control the tempo of the game. Whoever wins this battle will likely win the game.
Recent Form. Milan won the last league derby in March (goal scored by Pervis Estupiñán). This was their last loss in the league before this season meaning they know they are capable of doing it. Derby matches rarely go according to form meaning Milan feel confident. Read More AC Milan vs Inter: Match Preview and Prediction
Predicted lineups
AC Milan
16 Maignan M. (G),34 Gila M.,5 De Winter K., 31 Pavlovic S., 13 Diawara S., 22 Moreira D.14 Modric L.,80 Musah Y, 11 Pulisic C., 12 Rabiot A.,9 Ramos G.
Inter
1 Martinez J. (G), 31 Bisseck Y.25 Akanji M. 95 Bastoni A., 17 Diouf A., 23 Barella N., 20 Calhanoglu H.,22 Mkhitaryan H.,32 Dimarco F.,9 Thuram M.94 Esposito F.
Predicton
This is a difficult game to predict. Inter seem to be playing better, are performing better in the league and have created more chances. However Milan have a home advantage, have lost recently and will be looking to bounce back. Also Inter are missing Lautaro.
I feel like it will be a close game. Inter seem to be playing more steadily and Milan’s defence do not look solid. I believe both sides will score but would not be surprised if it was a draw so it is best to play it safe.
Prediction: AC Milan 1-2 Inter
Tips:
Both teams to score.
Inter to Win / Draw – A safer bet.
Over 2.5 goals.
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