Key Highlights
- Inter Milan and AC Milan face off in the Derby della Madonnina.
- Denzel Dumfries is out due to an ankle injury.
- Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram start for Inter Milan.
- Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic return to the starting lineup for AC Milan.
Inter vs. AC Milan: Derby della Madonnina Line-Ups
The eagerly anticipated Derby della Madonnina between Inter Milan and AC Milan is set to kick off at San Siro on November 23, 2024, with both teams facing significant challenges in their line-ups.
Inter Milan’s Formation
Under the guidance of Antonio Conte, Inter Milan has selected a strong squad for this crucial match. The team will be without Denzel Dumfries, who is still recovering from an ankle injury he sustained while representing the Netherlands national team. This absence is compounded by other injured players such as Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Raffaele Di Gennaro, and Tomas Palacios.
Inter Milan’s starting XI features some familiar faces returning to action.
Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram form a formidable attacking partnership for the first time since September 30, with Francesco Acerbi taking charge of the defense in place of Yann Bisseck. The midfield sees Petar Sucic replacing Piotr Zielinski.
The goalkeeping position is held by Yann Sommer, backed up by Mike Maignan. Inter’s full back Carlos Augusto and left winger Federico Dimarco round out a balanced starting lineup that aims to challenge the reigning champions at home.
AC Milan’s Return
On the other side of the field, AC Milan presents a more robust squad with key players returning from injury. Adrien Rabiot, Rafael Leão, and Christian Pulisic are all set to start, providing much-needed experience and creativity in midfield and attack.
Rafael Leão continues his transition into a central attacking role, where he has already shown great promise. Luka Modric partners Rabiot in the heart of the park, with Fikayo Tomori and Davide Bartesaghi bolstering the defense.
The backline sees Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Alexis Saelemaekers forming a solid wall to keep Inter at bay.
AC Milan’s goalkeeping position is filled by Samu Maignan, with Pervis Estupiñán as his backup. The match promises to be a close contest, given the historical rivalry between the two clubs and their recent form in head-to-head encounters.
Tournament Context and Historical Rivalry
This fixture is not just about the immediate points on offer; it’s also part of the broader Scudetto race. With both teams vying for a top position, this Derby della Madonnina carries significant implications for their futures in Serie A.
The recent history between these two giants has seen Inter manage only two draws from the last five competitive meetings. This statistic highlights the intense competition and the unpredictability of such derbies, which often come down to individual performances on match day.
For AC Milan’s Max Allegri, this is his first return to the Derby della Madonnina since 2013, when he was a player at the club. The challenge ahead will be to navigate the tactical and physical demands of facing Inter, particularly with key players returning from injury.
Conclusion
The Derby della Madonnina promises to be an enthralling spectacle, with both teams bringing their A-game to San Siro on November 23, 2024. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Inter Milan and AC Milan battle it out in a match that goes beyond just three points.