When the two cousins collide at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, the whole globe will tune it to watch what is arguably the most prestigious derby in the Old Continent. Sadly for Milan, this clash arrives as their darkest hour, with the club enduring its worst run since the appointment of Stefano Pioli in 2019. While Inter’s campaign has been far from perfect, they’re now enjoying a significantly more prosperous run compared to their crosstown rivals, hence, the Nerazzurri will enter the battle as the favorites, and rightfully so. Nevertheless, you can underestimate the defending champions at your own peril. After all, the scoreboard will show 0-0 at the first kickoff, and the whole affair will be determined by smaller battles between the two sets of players. So let’s take a look at the most interesting key duels in the Derby della Madonnina between Inter and Milan.
Milan Skriniar vs Rafael Leao
We begin with what will be the final chapter of a classic battle that took center stage in the most recent Milano derbies. With a summer switch to Paris Saint-Germain all but confirmed, Milan Skriniar is set to feature in his final Derby della Madonnina… unless Milan and Inter cross paths in the Champions League at some point (unlikely, yet possible).
For his part, Rafael Leao has been the main source of inspiration for the Rossoneri every time they collided with their city rivals. If the Portuguese manages to sneak past his Slovakian marker, if would spell major trouble for the Beneamata.
Therefore, this particular battle is of paramount importance, and will have vital implications on the final outcome.
Denzel Dumfries vs Theo Hernandez
This one has become a fan-favorite as of late. The two wingbacks have several things in common, including a mutual dislike for one another. So the bitterness aspect adds a spicy flavor to an already-thrilling battle on the flank between the consensus best left-back in Serie A (at least when he’s not spectacularly flopping), and a legitimate contender for the best right-back in the league.
The only one who could ruin this anticipated duel is Simone Inzaghi who could opt to start the in-form Matteo Darmian instead of Denzel Dumfries. But even so, the Dutchman is ought to participate at some point, and subsequently reignite his rivalry with Theo Hernandez.
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Federico Dimarco vs Davide Calabria
On the opposite flank, another interesting duel is brewing between two compatriots. Perhaps it’s not quite as fiery as the previous one, but it’s certainly no less significant.
This season, Federico Dimarco has cemented himself as one of the most explosive wingbacks in Serie A. Milan already had a taste of the Inter man’s prowess last month when the two sides met in Riyadh for the Italian Super Cup.
On the contrary, Davide Calabria has been on an abysmal form recently. The captain’s woeful performances depict the agonizing struggles of the Diavolo. Thus, the right-back must swiftly regain his form if he hopes to have a genuine chance against his high-flying foe.
Lautaro Martinez vs Pierre Kalulu
Yet another battle between an in-form Inter star and a free-falling Milan player. Last season, Pierre Kalulu’s rise was one of the most unexpected, and at the same time, fascinating stories of the Rossoneri’s Scudetto-winning campaign.
However, the Frenchman has been unable to replicate his heroics at the heart of Pioli’s defense, even against relatively smaller oppositions like Sassuolo. So how’s he going to fare against one of the most devastating strikers on the continent?
Only the action on the pitch can provide an accurate answer, but if Kalulu fails in his mission to contain Lautaro Martinez and company, then it will certainly be a long night for the defending champions.
Nicolò Barella vs Sandro Tonali
Needless to say, the feud in the middle of the park is an elemental battle in any direct clash. Unfortunately for Milan, troubles don’t come singly, thus, they will have to contend this Derby against Inter without the pivotal Ismael Bennacer.
Hence, Sandro Tonali will have a major burden upon his shoulders. Reminiscently to the vast majority of his teammates, the former Brescia Golden Boy has been a mere shadow of his former self lately. Nonetheless, the Italian has a knack for rising to the occasion when the stakes are at their highest.
Tonali will embroil in a battle against three formidable midfielders, but the duel against his compatriot and national teammate Nicolò Barella could be the most interesting, as we’re talking about two players who enjoy engaging in battles all over the pitch.
Whoever comes out on top will present his side with a comprehensive advantage.
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