Few fixtures in world football carry the drama and history of the Derby della Madonnina, and tonight’s 246th meeting between AC Milan and Inter Milan could be one of the most decisive yet. With Inter Milan leading Serie A with 67 points and AC Milan sitting second on 57, the stakes at the San Siro could hardly be higher.
For Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan, the equation is simple: win or risk seeing the Scudetto slip away. A defeat would likely cement Inter’s status as champions elect, while a Milan victory could breathe life back into the title race. Adding intrigue to this Premier League style blockbuster Serie A clash is the fact that Milan remain unbeaten in their last six derbies, proving that in this rivalry, form often takes a back seat to emotion.
The Form Guide
AC Milan (Last 5 games: W–L–D–W–W)
Milan arrive with decent momentum, most recently securing a 2–0 victory over Cremonese. While their form has been steady rather than spectacular, Allegri’s side has demonstrated resilience and a knack for performing in big games.
Inter Milan (Last 5 games: W–W–W–W–W)
By contrast, Inter Milan are in sensational form, riding an eight game winning streak in Serie A. Under Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri have looked dominant at both ends of the pitch, combining defensive solidity with lethal efficiency in attack.
Team News & Injury Updates
Both sides face key absences ahead of this high stakes Serie A title clash.
AC Milan Absentees
- Matteo Gabbia – injured
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek – unavailable
- Santiago Giménez – ruled out
Milan have received a small boost with Davide Bartesaghi returning to the squad, though Pervis Estupiñán is expected to start as the left wing back.
Inter Milan Absentees
- Lautaro Martínez – confirmed out with a calf injury
The absence of Inter captain and top scorer Lautaro Martínez is a major blow. Marcus Thuram, who had been dealing with illness, is expected to start alongside rising talent Francesco Pio Esposito.
Predicted Lineups
AC Milan (3-5-2)
Manager: Massimiliano Allegri
GK: Mike Maignan (C)
DF: Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlović
MF: Alexis Saelemaekers, Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modrić, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupiñán
FW: Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic
Inter Milan (3-5-2)
Manager: Cristian Chivu
GK: Yann Sommer
DF: Yann Aurel Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni
MF: Luis Henrique, Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Piotr Zieliński, Federico Dimarco
FW: Marcus Thuram, Francesco Pio Esposito
Key Battles to Watch
Alexis Saelemaekers vs Federico Dimarco
The battle on the flanks could be decisive. Federico Dimarco, one of Inter’s most dangerous attacking outlets, will test Milan’s defensive shape. Meanwhile, Alexis Saelemaekers must balance defensive discipline with supporting Milan’s counterattacks.
Luka Modrić vs Nicolò Barella
The midfield duel between veteran playmaker Luka Modrić and Inter engine Nicolò Barella will dictate the tempo of the game. If Modrić finds space to orchestrate play, Milan’s attackers could thrive. But Barella’s relentless pressing may disrupt Milan’s rhythm.
Head to Head Record
The Derby della Madonnina is one of football’s most historic rivalries.
Official Meetings: 245
- Inter Wins: 91
- AC Milan Wins: 83
- Draws: 71
Interestingly, despite Inter’s dominance in the league this season,
AC Milan have enjoyed the upper hand recently, remaining unbeaten in their last six derby meetings.
Recent results include:
- Nov 2025 – Serie A: Inter 0–1 Milan
- Apr 2025 – Coppa Italia: Inter 0–3 Milan
- Apr 2025 – Coppa Italia: Milan 1–1 Inter
- Feb 2025 – Serie A: Milan 1–1 Inter
- Jan 2025 – Supercoppa: Inter 2–3 Milan
Score Prediction
Prediction: AC Milan 1–2 Inter Milan
While Milan’s psychological edge in recent derbies cannot be ignored, Inter’s relentless league form and tactical balance give them the advantage. Even without Lautaro Martínez, players like Marcus Thuram and Federico Dimarco provide enough attacking threat to break Milan’s resistance.
Expect a tight, emotionally charged encounter at the San Siro, but Inter Milan may take a decisive step toward the Scudetto with a narrow derby victory. ⚽