This weekend, all eyes will be fixed on the San Siro Stadium for what is arguably the most anticipated fixture in Calcio, as Milan “host” Inter in the first Derby della Madonnina of the season. In the last two campaigns, the significance of this event further increased with the two titans fighting for the Scudetto title. Moreover, this clash will see some of the finest Serie A stars sharing the same pitch. But what if we hypothetically merge the two squads in one combined formation. Which stars would make the cut? Here is our combined Best XI between Milan and Inter.
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan (Milan)
First of all, let’s give some credit for Samir Handanovic who’s still holding his starting spot at the age of 38, despite the recent arrival of André Onana. However, even his staunchest supporters must admit that the Slovenian’s best days are now behind him.
On the other hand, Mike Maignan is a rising star in the goalkeeping world, and has already cemented himself as the finest custodian in Serie A last season.
Right-Back: Denzel Dumfries (Inter)
During the early stages of last season, Davide Calabria was enjoying his finest hour, putting one vibrant display after another, while Denzel Dumfries was struggling for consistency in his early days in Calcio.
Fast forward to the beginning of the 2022/23 season, and the roles have almost been reversed. While the Dutchman still has large margins for improvement, he manages to edge his Italian counterpart for the spot.
Centre Back: Fikayo Tomori (Milan)
Since joining Milan in January 2021, the Englishman has been growing from strength to strength, consolidating his status as on of the best defenders in Italian football.
One of the easiest choices on the list.
Centre Back: Milan Skriniar (Inter)
Even though Pierre Kalulu has a strong claim for this role thanks to his rapidly-improving prowess at the back, Milan Skriniar remains the safe choice, as the Slovakian proved himself to be a the rock at the back for Inter throughout the past five years.
Left-Back: Theo Hernandez (Milan)
Theo Hernandez is definitely the most obvious choice on the list, and no arguments can be made for another contender.
The Frenchman is one of the best left-backs in the game, while the Nerazzurri are struggling to fill the void left by Ivan Perisic’s departure, especially with Robin Gosens still unable to rediscover his best form.
Defensive Midfielder: Marcelo Brozovic (Inter)
In Ismael Bennacer, Milan possess a decent deep-lying playmaker who is yet to hit his full potential. Nonetheless, Simone Inzaghi has the best in the craft at his disposal.
Marcelo Brozovic remains the most capable Serie A midfielder when it comes to interpreting the Regista role, until proven otherwise.
Central Midfielder: Nicolò Barella (Inter)
When it comes to box-to-box midfielders, they don’t make them better than Nicolò Barella. The 25-year-old has it all; speed, skills, intensity, determination and can actually deliver a killer assist or a jaw-dropping goal.
This position is his, and his alone.
Central Midfielder: Sandro Tonali (Milan)
While Hakan Calhanoglu would have completed a clean sweep for Inter in the middle of the park, it’s his former Milan teammate who gets the nod, and perhaps not by a large margin.
The former Brescia Golden Boy is flourishing into one of the most brilliant midfielders in Italy, and possesses all the right attributes that enable him to become a world class player in the coming years.
Right Forward: Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
In order to fit the most deserving players, we decided to adopt a 4-3-3 lineup, even if it doesn’t exactly fit a second striker like Lautaro Martinez.
The Argentine is a devastating attacker who can punish opponents with a wide array of weapons. Once upon a time, some viewed him as a mere sidekick for Romelu Lukaku.
However, the 25-year-old has now become a top star in his own right, and arguably the most vital component in Inzaghi’s tactical system.
Centre Forward: Romelu Lukaku (Inter)
Following his joyous homecoming, the Belgian is still working on regaining his optimal form and his clinical touch. Sadly, a recent injury further derailed his momentum.
Yet, he remains the first pick when fit, even if his challengers are some of the most accomplished names in the sport – the likes of Edin Dzeko, Olivier Giroud and his old nemesis Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Left Forward: Rafael Leao (Milan)
The last but certainly not the least. Mister MVP himself. Rafael Alexandre da Conceição Leão. Not much explaining is required in here, nor too many worthy contenders.
Make yourself at home, kid.
Conclusion
The final result leans slightly in the Beneamata’s favor, with six Inter representatives against Milan’s five.
While this doesn’t necessarily suggest a certain edge for the Nerazzurri, it arguably foretells a closely-contested affair.
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