Today is the Derby della Madonnina’ eve and the engines are warming up for the big match between AC Milan and FC Inter Milan. Let’s see together the predicted XI of the two teams.
With any late changes still possible after today’s final training session, the two coaches’ plans for tomorrow’s derby look largely set. Everything is in place for a match that, for Inter, could effectively slam the door on the title race by pushing AC Milan to 13 points back. For AC Milan, it feels like a last chance to keep even the smallest crack open and, just as importantly, to cement a Champions League position. Let’s go through AC Milan and FC Inter Milan choices in their starting XI.
AC Milan, some forced solutions
In the AC Milan camp, the biggest blow is the absence of Matteo Gabbia, who underwent surgery this week for an inguinal hernia and might be out for a month. In his place, Koni De Winter is going to start as the central anchor of the back three. He will have to confirm the excellent growth he’s shown over the last couple of months. On either side, Tomori and Pavlović are essentially forced selections. From the bench, Odogu is the only natural centre-back available as cover.
In midfield, Modrić and Rabiot are untouchable, while the usual debate is on the right-sided mezzala: Youssouf Fofana appears to be ahead of Samuele Ricci to start. Out wide, Alexis Saelemaekers is should be on the right. On the left, the likely starter is Pervis Estupiñán. Bartesaghi returned to full training on Friday, but should begin on the bench. Up front, Leão and Pulisic are heavy favourites, with Nkunku holding on to a small hope of edging out the American.
AC Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlović; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modrić, Rabiot, Estupiñán; Pulisic, Leão.
Inter, only Lautaro out
For Inter, the only confirmed absence is Lautaro Martínez. Beyond that, it’s essentially the “first-choice Inter” we’ve seen all season. Sommer starts in goal. The back three should feature Bisseck and Bastoni as the side centre-backs, with Akanji central. In midfield, Hakan Çalhanoglu returns as the regista, with Zieliński shifting to the left mezzala role and Barella on the right. On the flanks, Luis Henrique might start at right wing-back, where in the last fixture an ineffective Carlos Augusto played. While Federico Dimarco is the obvious choice on the left. Up front, Marcus Thuram partners Pio Esposito, with Bonny back and available off the bench.
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Çalhanoglu, Zieliński, Dimarco; Esposito, Thuram.
