nigeriasport.ng

AC Milan vs Inter Milan Preview, Predictions, and Lineups: Derby History Favors Inter

Odds are provided by bet365, accurate at the time of publishing but may change.

  • First half 1x2: Draw @ 11/8 with bet365
  • Full-time 1x2: AC Milan @ 7/4 with bet365
  • First half BTTS (Both Teams To Score): Yes @ 11/5 with bet365

Expect a Level First Half

Since both sides might use many fringe players, their defence could be less tight than usual early on. Last season, Milan and Inter each conceded only 35 goals over 38 Serie A games, showing strong defensive records. Yet, squad rotations might disrupt that balance at the start.

Milan often failed to lead at halftime last season, being behind or level in 74% of league matches at the break. Inter had the lowest first-half scoring rate in Serie A, with 21% of games goalless at halftime and no lead in 45% of their matches. Pre-season so far has shown neither side gaining an early advantage.

Inter were tied at halftime against Karlsruhe and Manchester City in their two friendlies, while Milan trailed 2-0 at halftime in their opener before rallying back. Two of the last four Milan derbies also ended in halftime draws, making a stalemate at the break a likely outcome this Wednesday in Perth.

Tip 1: First half 1x2 - Draw @ 11/8 with bet365

Milan Could Continue Their Recent Dominance

Despite Inter winning last season's Scudetto, AC Milan achieved the league double over them, winning both encounters 1-0. Inter haven't beaten Milan since April 2024, a stretch of seven games without victory in the derby.

Amorim’s squad has won five of the last seven clashes, suggesting this fixture doesn’t go easily for Inter despite their league title. Both teams remain unbeaten in pre-season, so the result is open. On neutral ground, we lean towards the Rossoneri causing an upset, especially since Inter might miss some key players.

Tip 2: Full-time 1x2 - AC Milan @ 7/4 with bet365

Goals Expected Early

Even if the first half ends level, it probably won't be scoreless. Inter scored 89 goals in 38 Serie A games last season, leading the division, while Milan ranked sixth with 53 goals.

Both teams managed first-half goals in 21% of Milan's league games, placing them third in Serie A for this stat. Inter topped the league with 24% of matches featuring goals from both sides before halftime.

With both clubs near the top for first-half BTTS, early goals on both sides seem likely. Over entire matches last season, both teams scored in 47% of their games. Inter also scored or conceded within the first 15 minutes in 14 out of 38 matches, ranking third behind Como and Sassuolo.

Form and Score Prediction

The Derby di Milano will capture attention midweek in Australia as two giants face off. AC Milan begin a new chapter under Ruben Amorim after Massimiliano Allegri's departure following last season’s Champions League miss.

Milan’s pre-season has begun, though many key players like Rafael Leao and Luka Modric are yet to feature extensively. Amorim likely won’t give them long minutes in this friendly.

Similarly, Christian Chivu’s Inter is easing their starters back into action. They aim to defend their domestic double and have started well, winning friendlies against Karlsruhe and Manchester City. The 1-1 draw versus City was settled in penalties, boosting confidence.

Inter looks to build momentum before facing Juventus this weekend.

  • Score prediction: AC Milan 3-2 Inter Milan
  • Expected goalscorers:
  • AC Milan: Francesco Camarda (2), Ruben Loftus-Cheek
  • Inter Milan: Francesco Esposito, Andy Diouf

Likely Starting Lineups

  • AC Milan: Torriani, Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Athekame, Ricci, Comotto, Bartesaghi, Loftus-Cheek, Ossola, Camarda
  • Inter Milan: Martinez, Pavard, Bisseck, Bastoni, Diouf, Barella, Stankovic, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Esposito, Iddrissou

Related Articles