AC Milan play city rivals Inter Milan on Tuesday evening in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw meaning a ticket to the finals is on an equal playing field. The Derby della Madonnina is always a heated match-up, but there’s a lot on the line here. Adding fuel to the fire, the two Milan clubs are currently also battling for the Scudetto crown in Serie A.
Preview as AC Milan and Inter Milan Meet in Coppa Italia Semi-Final
Recent Results for Both Sides
Milan’s last three matches were okay at best, especially for the standards they set earlier in the season. Before the last match versus Genoa, Milan played Bologna and Torino. Results were not in favour of the Rossoneri, as they drew 0-0 in both. A lack of a finishing touch jeopardised their Serie A title chances.
The last match, however, was a 2-0 victory over Genoa. Overall, Milan did not play their best but they got the result they needed. Rafael Leao continued his excellent season, scoring an early volley off a beautiful cross from Pierre Kalulu. Towards the end of the match, Junior Messias came off the bench and finished the game. It was a sorely needed result from a team that was falling apart on the attacking side.
Inter, on the other hand, have been excellent in their last three matches. They beat Italian giant Juventus 1-0, the sneaky-good Hellas Verona 2-0, then finally emerged victorious versus Spezia in a 3-1 drubbing. Their last six goals came from six different players, so this Inter team is dangerous in a variety of ways. Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko spark the attack, whereas midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Marcelo Brozovic are always threats as well.
Expected Starting Line-Up for AC Milan
Mike Maignan remains the starting goalkeeper as he has a say in the race for Milan’s most valuable player this year.
Defensive decisions will be tricky for manager Stefano Pioli due to injuries. Simon Kjaer’s been sidelined for months in the centre of the defence, while captain Alessio Romagnoli continues to struggle with fitness. Vice-captain Davide Calabria is also out at the right-back position (with a small chance to return Tuesday), while his back-up Alessandro Florenzi underwent surgery recently. Due to all of these injuries, it’s likely that Kalulu starts at the right while youngster Matteo Gabbia is the replacement centre-back. Fikayo Tomori and Theo Hernandez will be the other defenders as they continue to star for Milan.
Midfield decisions are straightforward with Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer.
Two positions are certain in the attack – Leao on the left-wing and Olivier Giroud at striker. Giroud shined for Milan against Inter in their last league match-up. The attacking midfielder role will likely go to Franck Kessie. He’ll be out of position, but the other option in Brahim Diaz has been struggling. Lastly, expect Messias on the right-wing. Alexis Saelemaekers is the typical starter, but he simply hasn’t been producing.
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