Another installment of the Derby della Madonnina sees the latest edition of AC Milan v Inter Milan on Tuesday evening. This time, however, it comes in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals. The teams last met nearly a month ago in early February. Inter took an early lead thanks to Ivan Perisic, but Milan responded with two later Olivier Giroud goals to win 2-1. Their first meeting this season ended in a draw. This derby always promises a fantastic match and this should be no different.
AC Milan V Inter Milan Coppa Italia Semi-Final Preview
Team League Form
The two Milanese clubs are currently battling for first place in Serie A. Milan sit highest in second with 57 points meanwhile Inter are third with 55 points, although they have a game in hand. With that being said, Inter held the first-place lead for quite some time, but both teams have been struggling since Milan had taken over.
Milan’s last two league matches, both very winnable, ended in draws. A 2-2 draw with Salernitana was especially disappointing as Milan needed a late Ante Rebic equaliser to salvage a point. Then came a 1-1 draw versus Udinese. Rafael Leao, who’s been brilliant, scored in the first half but Milan later allowed Udinese to equalize. It was a poor performance overall for the Rossoneri against a team in the bottom third of the table.
The Rossoneri‘s poor performances gave Inter a shot to reclaim first, but I Nerazzurri faltered as well. When Milan drew with Salernitana, Inter lost 2-0 to Sassuolo. Sassuolo remain a solid Serie A club, but still, a team outmatched overall to Inter. Then after Milan drew with Udinese, Inter drew 0-0 with Genoa. Before those two matches, Inter lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the Champions League and drew 1-1 with now-league leaders Napoli. They’re hungry for a result.
Coppa Italia Results
Milan matched up with Genoa in the round of 16, winning 3-1. It was 1-1 after regular time thanks to a late equaliser from Olivier Giroud, but Milan managed to finish the job in extra time. Leao and Alexis Saelemaekers found the back of the net in the extra period.
Inter were also taken to extra time in that round after finishing regular time at 2-2 with Empoli. Alexis Sanchez scored Inter’s first goal, and Andrea Ranocchia equalized in the 90th minute to keep Inter alive. Stefano Sensi scored the winner in the first half of extra time.
The Milanese clubs took on the major Roman clubs in the quarter-finals. Milan showed dominance in a 4-0 victory over Lazio. Leao, Giroud (twice), and Franck Kessie all found the back of the net. Inter finished with a 2-0 victory over Roma thanks to goals from Sanchez and Edin Dzeko.
AC Milan and Inter Milan Squads
There are several key players in both squads.
In Milan’s defence, Fikayo Tomori is returning to match fitness. He’ll be tasked with stopping Inter’s firepower in attack, led by Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez.
The midfield poses a fascinating duel as well. Milan’s Sandro Tonali was excellent v Inter in the last match, whereas Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic will be playing with confidence after signing a contract renewal. Inter also has Hakan Calhanoglu, who played for Milan just last season.
Leao should be a major factor once again in Milan’s attack. Giroud will be important too after his brace versus Inter in the last match-up. A major question mark for Milan will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He hasn’t appeared for quite some time now, and his future is currently under question. The Swede is Milan’s leader and usually a force versus his former club in Inter.
Inter’s major veteran presence in Samir Handanovic will be tasked with stopping Milan’s attack. Like Ibrahimovic, his future is also unsure.
Main Photo
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