It is not only the Derby della Madonnina, but also a Scudetto showdown between the current joint leaders and the reigning champions, currently two of the top three.
Inter have changed a great deal since Antonio Conte lifted the Serie A trophy only six months ago, but Simone Inzaghi is nonetheless keeping up the momentum from last season and doing even better in the Champions League than his predecessor.
As for Milan, Stefano Pioli continues to build the project and remains unbeaten in Serie A this term, despite the on-going injury crisis. Although the treatment table is emptying out a little, Theo Hernandez is suspended following his red card against Roma.
Expect an incredibly fiery reception for Hakan Calhanoglu, who is the favourite to start in midfield rather than Arturo Vidal against the club he left as a free agent over the summer.
It is the first time since November 2016 that Milan go into the derby with at least a seven-point advantage over their neighbours.
Form Guide: Milan (W W W W W) Inter (W W D L W)
Stat fact: Milan have lost each of the last three Serie A ‘home’ derbies and haven’t made it four in a row since the 1929-34 period.
Probable line-ups
Milan (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Ballo-Toure; Tonali, Kessie; Saelemaekers, Brahim Diaz, Leao; Ibrahimovic
Suspended: Theo Hernandez
Injured: Maignan, Plizzari, Messias, Castillejo
On a yellow card: None
Inter (3-5-2): Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Perisic; Dzeko, Lautaro Martinez
Suspended: None
Injured: None
On a yellow card: None
Inter are playing better football at the moment. I would say 2-1 Inter.
Milan miss a couple of starters and the rest are overworked and tired, but I think it’s gonna be a close match. Inter need the win more so the pressure is on them. A draw is possible but what a thing it would be if Milan wins and opens a 10 point gap.
We own them in this fixture. No Hernandez, Krunic and a GK who is shaky. We should win but they have been playing really well and even grinding out wins.
Despite the unavailable players at Milan, they will try not to lose to inter for the sake of the team’s stability and confidence going forward. Can Milan will the seria A title??
Inter will tear appart Milan deffence. 1-4 easy.
It’s a Derby so no favourites but inter having playing well no just in the last 3 matches but the whole season overall other than that shameful Shaktar match. Regardless of the results I still believe sooner or later results will start to match performance which will be the turning point for winner of the league. Juve just showed it’s nearly impossible to grind out results anymore but rather playing attacking imposing football in which even if you concede goals you’re winning and dominating them.
Should be a close match. Inter are in trouble if they lose, with, potentially, 2 teams 10 points clear of them.