From key players to critical decisions for Inter and Milan: An analysis heading into the Derby della Madonnina

It is most certainly the calm before the storm in the city of Milano as cross-city rivals Inter and Milan prepare to face off tomorrow evening in the 181st edition of the classic Derby della Madonnina.

Coming off a superb 0-0 draw in their opening match of the Champions League against familiar opponents from Istanbul two years-ago in the finals Manchester City, Inter seek to attain all three points to continue their conquest defending the scudetto, as they find themselves  two points adrift from the league leaders Udinese,and to extend their record to seven consecutive derby wins. A victory Sunday evening would make coach Simone Inzaghi the only gaffer in the club’s history to have won seven consecutive derbies across all competitions. 

On the other hand, coach Paulo Fonseca finds himself on the hot-seat following an abysmal 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at the San Siro during the mid-week despite having cruised passed Venezia 4-0 several days prior. Whilst the Rossonerri currently sit in 10th place with five points and reports storming across the media identifying Maurizio Sarri and former Borussia Dortmund boss Emil Tardzic as possible replacements, it will certainly require a remarkable display for the Portuguese boss to convince the Milan board to not be dismissed from his duties.

With plenty at stake Sunday evening the highly anticipated Milan derby, La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights several key aspects heading into thrilling fixture against the two Milanese giants. 

Key Decisions

Although Inter find themselves within a pretty impressive run of form as they are currently undefeated after their first four matches of the Serie A campaign (two wins and two draws) and have managed to hold off Pep Guardiola’s side to a score-less stalemate in a match where they could have won on the road, Simone Inzaghi has quite a handful of decisions to make in terms of player selection.

Whilst it is pretty certain that the former Lazio boss will not deviate from the 3-5-2 tactical set-up, it remains to be seen whether Inzaghi will deploy both Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco from the get go as they have fully recovered fitness-wise after the superb displays of Mehdi Taremi and Carlos Augusto at the Etihad Stadium.

Moreover, with plenty of depth in the midfield, it is indeed a possibility that former Napoli play-maker Piotr Zielinski could feature in the starting eleven in favour of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, alongside Hakan Calhanoglu and star-boy Nicolo Barella at the center of the pitch.

On the other hand, coach Paulo Fonseca could potentially consider altering to a 3-5-2 tactical set-up, which is considered very rare throughout his managerial career, following the Rossonerri’s struggles defensively as they have been bleeding profusely, conceding nine goals in five games across all competitions. However, it is one outcome that is unlikely as it would be difficult to involve bot Christian Pulisic and Portuguese winger Rafael Leao.

Key Players

In regards to Inter, Nicolo Barella will most certainly prove to be instrumental to tomorrow’s match-up as he has been on a fine run of form since the start of the season with one goal and one assists in three matches played in the Serie A, and portraying his immaculate creativity and capability to dictate the tempo of a match Wednesday evening under the lights of the Champions League.

As per Milan, Tammy Abraham’s performance will be vital for Milan to achieve success as he managed to break the ground running since joining from Roma only several weeks ago, amassing a goal and an assist in his first two games for the Rossonerri. The Englishman offers coach Fonseca’s side a profile that Milan lacked up time as their focal point up-top, one with great pace and physicality to make runs in-behind and to drive forward with the ball when moving on the counter.

Keys to winning

 In order for coach Simone Inzaghi’s side to clinch a positive result, a strong, charismatic start to the match is essential. The Nerazzurri must enter the match executing fluidity and precision in their build-up, as well as a cannibalistic approach moving forward and when attempting to finish in the final third of the pitch.

Inter must be ruthless in the hopes of causing the Rossonerri back-line to break-apart early on, an approach in which Inzaghi instilled perfectly in the previous six derbies.

On the other hand, Fonseca must try and resist Inter throughout the first 20 minutes of the match, as the Diavolo have gone behind six times prior to the 21st minute mark in the previous eight matches against the Beneamata. Although it will be difficult as it requires defensive discipline, Milan must attempt to ride the wave and remain intact throughout the opening minutes with the hopes of not conceding first and perhaps catching Inter off guard on a counter.

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN