| Inter Milan vs AC Milan | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Inter Milan vs AC Milan
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COMPETITION :
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Serie A
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| DATE: |
09 - 03 - 2026
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TIME:
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01.15 AM IST
11.45 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Milan Stadium |
AC Milan vs Inter Milan Match Preview
AC Milan will look to regain momentum when they face city rivals Inter Milan in another highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina at San Siro this weekend.
The Rossoneri recently saw their impressive 24-match unbeaten run in Serie A come to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Parma. However, Stefano Pioli's side managed to bounce back last weekend and avoided another setback against Cremonese — the same team that shocked them on the opening day of the season.
Cremonese had famously secured a surprise win at San Siro earlier in the campaign, but Milan responded strongly this time. Late goals from Strahinja Pavlovic and Rafael Leao turned the game around and prevented Milan from falling further behind in the title race.
Despite the comeback victory, Milan’s recent performances have been far from convincing. Before defeating Cremonese, the Rossoneri needed a last-minute winner to beat Pisa, while they were also held to a frustrating home draw against high-flying Como.
Manager Massimiliano Allegri has therefore seen his team struggle to maintain the same momentum as their city rivals Inter.
Although Milan have only suffered two defeats in Serie A this season, their campaign has been affected by a high number of draws. The Rossoneri have drawn eight more matches than Inter, leaving them 10 points behind the league leaders heading into this crucial derby clash.
Milan hoping to continue derby success
While their league form has been inconsistent, Milan will take confidence from their recent dominance in the Milan derby.
In recent years, Inter had often held the upper hand in this rivalry, but Milan have managed to shift the balance.
Across all competitions, the Rossoneri are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Inter, winning four of those encounters. That run includes a 1-0 victory earlier this season, which remains Inter’s only league defeat since November.
Another win on Sunday would allow Milan to complete a Serie A derby double over Inter for the first time since the 2010–11 season, when Allegri led the club to the Scudetto during his first spell in charge.
However, Inter arrive in formidable form and will be determined to end that streak.
Inter closing in on the Serie A title
Inter Milan are currently dominating the Serie A title race and appear well on course to lift the Scudetto.
Their only league defeat in recent months came against Milan in late November, but since that result the Nerazzurri have produced an outstanding response.
Cristian Chivu’s side have gone 15 consecutive league matches without defeat, a run that includes eight straight victories. Their most recent success came last weekend when they comfortably defeated Genoa 2-0.
Inter’s dominance this season has been built on both attacking power and tactical efficiency.
They currently boast the most prolific attack in Serie A, having scored 21 more goals than Milan. In addition, the Nerazzurri have proven particularly dangerous from set pieces.
Inter have scored 21 goals from dead-ball situations, including a league-high 15 goals from corner kicks.
By contrast, Milan have struggled defensively in such scenarios. The Rossoneri have conceded half of their total goals from set pieces, with 25 percent coming directly from corners — an area Inter will undoubtedly look to exploit.
Coppa Italia focus before the derby
Before turning their attention back to the league, Inter were in action in the Coppa Italia semi-finals earlier this week.
The Nerazzurri travelled to face Como in the first leg, with the match ending in a goalless draw. While it was not the most entertaining encounter, the result leaves Inter in a good position ahead of the second leg at home next month.
Now, their primary focus returns to the league title race.
With 10 matches remaining in the season, a victory over Milan would extend Inter’s lead at the top of the table to 13 points, which would place them firmly on course to secure the Scudetto.
Their away form suggests they are more than capable of achieving that result.
Although Inter are technically the away side in this derby, they remain very comfortable at San Siro and have been outstanding on their travels. Chivu’s team have won each of their last nine Serie A away matches, keeping six consecutive clean sheets during that run.
Another win this weekend would mark 10 straight away victories, a feat Inter have only achieved once before in their Serie A history.
Team News
AC Milan will be missing several players for this important clash.
Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a serious facial injury. Defender Matteo Gabbia remains unavailable due to a hernia problem, while striker Santiago Gimenez is also out with an ankle injury.
There is some positive news for Milan, however. Young wing-back Davide Bartesaghi has recovered from a flexor issue and could return to the squad.
In attack, Allegri has several options. Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Fullkrug are both pushing for a starting role, although Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao are expected to retain their places in the front line.
Pulisic has endured a difficult period recently, with injuries affecting his rhythm. Since scoring the winning goal in November’s derby, the American has failed to register a goal or assist in his last nine appearances.
Nevertheless, he has a strong record in this fixture. Pulisic has scored in three of his last six matches against Inter, and he could become the first Milan player since Kaka in the 2003–04 season to score in both league derbies in the same campaign.
Meanwhile, Rafael Leao remains Milan’s main attacking threat. The Portuguese forward scored his ninth Serie A goal of the season last weekend and currently leads the club’s scoring chart.
Inter, meanwhile, will be without their captain and leading goalscorer Lautaro Martinez, who continues to recover from a calf injury.
With the Argentine striker sidelined, coach Cristian Chivu will choose two attackers from Marcus Thuram, Francesco Pio Esposito, and Ange-Yoan Bonny.
Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is expected to return to the starting lineup after making his first start in several weeks during the Coppa Italia match. The former Milan player will be particularly motivated after seeing his penalty saved by Mike Maignan in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Inter have also received a boost with the return of Denzel Dumfries, who is back in contention after spending nearly four months out with injury.
Several key players, including Yann Sommer and Nicolo Barella, are also expected to return to the starting XI after being rested midweek.
One of Inter’s most influential performers recently has been Federico Dimarco. The Italian wing-back has been directly involved in 12 goals in just 10 Serie A matches in 2026, a tally that is twice as high as any other player in the league during the same period.
With his crossing ability and set-piece deliveries, Dimarco could prove crucial in breaking down Milan’s defence.
Match Outlook
The Derby della Madonnina rarely disappoints, and this encounter promises another intense battle between two of Italy’s biggest clubs.
Milan will hope their recent derby record continues, while Inter will be determined to maintain their dominance in the league and move one step closer to the title.
With both teams possessing attacking quality and plenty at stake, fans can expect a fiercely contested showdown at San Siro.