Preview
One of the most significant stagings of the Derby della Madonnina in recent history takes place on Sunday afternoon, as AC Milan have an immediate opportunity to regain the league lead they lost to city rivals Inter Milan last weekend.
Defeat to Serie A surprise package Spezia last time out leaves the Rossoneri one point behind their closest and oldest foes ahead of the 174th Milan derby in the top flight. Antonio Conte’s Inter, meanwhile, will not want to relinquish their spot at the summit, as the race for the Scudetto continues.
AC Milan were finally dethroned from the top spot by the Nerazzurri last weekend after the Rossoneri incurred a shocking 2-0 defeat to the newcomers Spezia. Stefano Pioli will look to make some changes in his defensive structure after his team’s poor showing again in the midweek UEFA Europa League game, when they let ten-man Crvena Zvezda score a late equalizer.
Milan have already lost 3 games in Serie A in 2021, one more than they did in the entirety of 2020. And they will look to restore their position back at the top with a win against their fiercest rivals. Inter, meanwhile, went on top of the Serie A standings last weekend, with a 3-1 victory over rivals Lazio, thanks to a brace from the current joint top-scorer of the league, Romelu Lukaku.
Conte’s men have won their last three league games and have lost only once in their last ten Serie A fixtures. With the top spot up for grabs and the recent altercation between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku in their Coppa Italia clash, both teams will be raring to go and get the better of each other as they look to secure their 19th Serie A title, after almost a decade.
How the Match could Go
Based on current form, Inter are better placed to win this fixture today. The Nerazzurri are on decent form at the moment and are unbeaten in their last five league games.
AC Milan have looked shaky of late, especially in defence and it’s something the likes of Lukaku and Martinez can capitalize on.
However, we know form goes out of the way in this kind of game. With that in mind, it’s an open game and both teams more or less boast equal chances to win today.
Whoever scores first might be the favorites to win as has usually been the case in their recent meetings.
Tip: Double Chance
Inter won by a 2-1 score-line the last time both sides met in the Coppa Italia. Also, the last five meetings between both sides has seen a winner, no single stalemate. Given what it at stake today (top of the league), we’re expecting to see a winner after 90 minutes. Bet9ja and Bet365 have 1.25 odds while 1xbet have 1.30.
Over 2.5 Goals
Both sides have seen over 2.5 goals play out in three out of their last five league games. To go with, four out of the last five meetings between both sides has seen at least three goals as well. We expect both sides to give it their best shot and that should translate to a good number of goals today. Bet9ja have 1.68 odds, Bet365 have 1.72 and 1xbet have 1.78.
Both Teams to Score: YES
With the exception of a 0-0 draw with Udinese and AC Milan’s two losses, Inter and AC have scored in at least five of their last seven games. While we expect a winner for sure, we’re also expecting both teams to score at the end of the day. To go with, both sides have strikers well in the running for the Capocannoniere and that could be some extra motivation for the big forwards to score. Bet9ja have 1.58 odds, Bet365 have 1.61 and 1xbet have 1.67.
Anytime Goal-scorer (AC Milan)
Ibrahimovic
He continues to lead the way for AC Milan this season. His 14 goals means he is only two behind current top scorer and rival Romelu Lukaku. That could be more motivation for him to score as well. Ibrahimovic is also one for the big occasions and recently scored in this fixture as well. Count on him to add one more in this derby fixture today. Bet365 have 2.10 odds while Bet9ja have 2.55.
Kessi
Asides Ibrahimovic, he is the next best shout at a goal threat for Pioli’s men. With seven goals to his name, the midfielder has largely contributed to their title charge and he could come as a value tip to score today. There is value with the midfielder as Bet365 have 4.00 odds while Bet9ja have 5.50 for him to score.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Inter Milan)
Lukaku
The big Belgian has more than impressed for Inter this term with 16 goals to his name. He is also the leading goal scorer at the moment and is currently favorite to win the Capocannoniere. Lukaku scored the last time both sides met in the Coppa Italia and he is the number one man to score a goal today. Bet365 have 1.90 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 2.20.
Martinez
After Lukaku, he has been the next best player for Inter this season. In fact, they are not far off in terms of goals scored. The Argentine forward has bagged an impressive 11 goals this season and is not far off from the top scorers, including teammate Lukaku. If the big Belgian doesn’t score for some reason, you can count on Martinez to get the job done for Inter. Bet365 have 2.55 odds while Bet9ja have theirs at 2.55.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
