Inter dream of winning a historic title against city rivals Milan on Monday, so here are three key battles to watch out for at San Siro tonight.
The Nerazzurri have been dreaming of this moment since 2021, the last time they won the Scudetto under Antonio Conte. Tonight’s match with Milan can be historic for them, not only because they can win their 20th domestic title in history but also because they can achieve it against their city rivals. So, which battles will determine the winner at San Siro tonight?
Milan vs. Inter: Three key battles to watch out for – Leao vs. Acerbi
The Portuguese striker is expected to start as a centre-forward for the Rossoneri, leaving Olivier Giroud initially on the bench. It’s a surprising decision from coach Stefano Pioli, who knows a win in the derby may not be enough to save his job in 2024-25. Leao will face Italy international Francesco Acerbi, a man who has already frustrated the likes of Erling Haaland and Victor Osimhen over the last year. Scorer of 13 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions this season, we should expect to see Leao play as a false nine, so he will be directly involved in battles with Benjamin Pavard and Alessandro Bastoni as well, plus his former teammate Hakan Calhanoglu.
Milan vs. Inter: Three key battles to watch out for – Calhanoglu vs. Adli
Calhanoglu has already scored twice against his former club and all the eyes will be on him tonight. Pioli intends to line up Tijjani Reijnders and Yacine Adli in central midfield for Milan, and the Frenchman will play a key role in blocking Calhanoglu. More defensive-minded than his Dutch teammate, Adli will try to block Calha’s passing lanes and, therefore, prevent Inter from building from the back smoothly. Adli spent the whole game against Roma on the bench on Thursday, so he will be fresh to face his predecessor at the Stadio Meazza, knowing that his defensive duties will be more critical than his moves in the final third.
Milan vs. Inter: Three key battles to watch out for – Dimarco vs. Calabria
A potential mismatch will be on Inter’s left flank where Italy international Federico Dimarco will face his compatriot Davide Calabria. The Milan captain has been in poor form lately, while Dimarco has been by far the best left-back in the league this season. With seven goals and eight assists in 46 appearances across all competitions this season, Dimarco’s attacks from the left will be a tactical key for Simone Inzaghi, who is planning to create a numerical advantage on that side of the pitch to move Milan’s defence and give more space to Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram to hit the Rossoneri. It’s probably no coincidence that Pioli will start USMNT international Yunus Musah as a right winger, so the American midfielder will help Calabria cope with Dimarco and, when Milan are in possession, the Italian will move to the centre of the pitch to create numerical advantage.