This weekend marks the return of one of the best derbies in all of Italy as Milan are set to take on Inter in the 214th installment of the Derby della Madonnina.
Both Milan and Inter will be looking to take the full three points after differing starts to the new season. After initial disappointment against Fiorentina, Mihajlovic’s men kick-started their campaign with a 2-1 victory against Empoli. Roberto Mancini’s currently sit on six points after two games after having beaten both Atalanta and Carpi. That said, the nerazzurri have needed late-game heroics from Stevan Jovetic in both games to spare their blushes. A win against Milan will go a long way in proving their Scudetto credentials for Inter as they have beaten two teams from the lower tier of the league until now.
After indifferent seasons for both Milan-based clubs, they both took to the transfer window. Milan bolstered their roster with the early signings of Carlos Bacca, Luiz Adriano and Andrea Bertolacci while they added Alessio Romagnoli later in the window. Inter, on the other hand, used the latest transfer window to completely overhaul their side and inject plenty of fresh blood. There is a good chance that the Inter side that will be suiting up for Sunday’s derby will consist of six new players including the likes of Ivan Perisic, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Alex Telles, Jeison Murillo and Stevan Jovetic.
In the last six clashes between the sides, Milan have had the upper hand as the rossoneri have taken the three points on three occasions. Inter, by contrast, have only taken the full points once dating back all the way to December of 2013. Mancini, equipped with a host of new players to choose from, however,will be looking to change Inter’s fortunes in this regard. For Mihajlovic, this will be his first Derby della Madonnina and will use Sunday’s game to set the tone for the rest of his tenure. In the past, the former Sampdoria manager has displayed his ability to motivate his troops for a derby as well as his tactical nous.
Probable formations:
Inter (4-3-3): Handanovic; Santon, Ranocchia, Murillo, Telles; Brozovic, Felipe Melo, Kondogbia; Perisic, Icardi, Jovetic.
Milan (4-3-1-2): Diego Lopez; Abate, Zapata, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; Poli, De Jong, Kucka; Bonaventura; Luiz Adriano, Bacca.
Mancini will have to make do without the services of Miranda in defense after the Brazilian picked up a knock to his knee that will sideline him for the foreseeable future. Moreover, the former Manchester City boss will be handing Telles, Felipe Melo and Perisic their Inter debuts on Sunday. As of right now, Icardi is expected to start but there have been rumors that he may miss the game through injury.
For Milan, Zapata is currently the favorite to start over Rodrigo Ely in defense. The Brazilian-born defender picked up a red card in the first game of the season and is only returning back to the fold now. It remains to be seen whether Mihajlovic will stick with the young center back or opt for the veteran option in the form of Zapata. In midfield, Bertolacci will not feature as he is nursing an injury. In his place, newly-acquired midfielder Juraj Kucka will be handed his first ever start for the rossoneri. While the front line that proved effective against Empoli will maintain their place in the eleven, there is a huge question mark in attacking midfield. Bonaventura is expected to start but Mihajlovic may also opt for one of Suso or Keisuke Honda.
Player to watch – Stevan Jovetic
The former Manchester City man has undergone a revival of sorts after returning to Serie A. Following his tumultuous stay with the English giants that was marred with injuries, the Montenegrin forward returned to the country where he made his name. In his first two games with the nerazzurri, the forward has scored two game winning goals gifting his side the three points on both occasions. The player’s main problem over the course of his career, however, has been his ability to maintain consistency due to his injury proneness. If Jovetic is able to keep performing as he has over the last two games, he may very well turn out to be the signing of the summer. Against Milan, the Inter man will be licking his lips at the thought of going up against an underwhelming Zapata. That said, the presence of Romagnoli in the back four will likely reduce his effect on the game. Despite the young defender’s inexperience, he has shown that he is capable at containing Serie A’s best forwards. On Sunday, Jovetic’s ability to dictate play in the final third will play a major role at deciding the result.
Notable comments –
Bonaventura: “I don’t see a big difference between us and Inter. We’ve both changed and we’re both rebuilding. Inter will have to watch out for our strikers who have adapted quickly and can cause difficulties for their defense. I think it’ll be a great match. We play with a different formation and attitude in comparison to last season. Our coach is trying his best to drill the attitude in us to never gave an inch.”
Ljajic: “It’s a derby match. I’ve spoken many times with Stankovic and Maicon about it. It’s definitely a very important game and I can’t wait to take to the pitch if the coach decides to give me the opportunity.”
Romagnoli: “I am ready for the derby. I cannot wait for Sunday. It will definitely be emotional and challenging but I am not afraid. For me it is an honor to wear the shirt of this club, a shirt that many great champions have worn in the past. I will try my best to live up to it.”
Writer’s prediction – Inter v Milan: 3-1
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