Serie A 5/02/22: AC and Inter collide in colossal Milan derby showdown
Serie A has been absorbing viewing so far this season, and there are still three teams involved in the title race. It could go right down to the wire, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds. In this preview, we will look ahead to the Milan derby showdown between Inter and AC on Saturday evening. Check out our thoughts below, including match odds.
Inter Milan raring to go after winter break
Inter know only too well the significance of derby clashes. This season, they have been electric at times, and they will certainly be refreshed after a two-week break. In their previous outing towards the end of last month, Inter beat Venezia 2-1. Edin Dzeko grabbed the winner in stoppage time in the second half.
Simone Inzaghi’s men have become tough to beat. They have only lost once in the Serie A this season. That was a 3-1 defeat away to Lazio in October. On that day, Inter were pretty ordinary, but they have put up a good title defence so far. And they will need to be at their best to get three points against the Rossoneri.
Inter Milan facing a make-or-break month
Although Inter hold a four-point lead at the top of Serie A, and they have a game in hand over Milan, this could be a make-or-break month. After Milan, Inter host Roma. Then they travel to Napoli before taking on Liverpool in the last-16 of the Champions League in a few weeks. It will be fascinating to see how Inter gets on.
AC Milan keep themselves in the title chase
For Milan, you feel that this is a must-win game, especially if they want to keep themselves in the title race. As mentioned, Inter have a game in hand over the Rossoneri, but defeat for Milan would leave them seven points behind the table toppers. While that’s not insurmountable, it could be a tough task reeling Inter in from there.
AC Milan hoping to come flying out of traps after winter break
For Milan, they will be looking to get back to winning ways. In their previous two games before the winter break, they mustered just a solitary point. That was against Juventus, who are aiming to finish in the top four. Milan will be looking to tighten up at the back, as they are conceding more than a goal per game.
AC Milan wrap up surprise deal for Cork City defender
The January transfer window always throws up plenty of surprises. While there aren’t too many mega-money deals, there are usually plenty of loans. And Republic of Ireland Under-17 captain Cathal Heffernan has joined Milan on loan from Cork City, which has left him stunned.
Speaking about the move, Heffernan said: “Words can’t describe how happy I am. Can’t wait to get started.” It is thought that Heffernan could seal a permanent deal to stay at the San Siro in the summer. Meanwhile, Milan will have been relieved that Franck Kessie is staying put after they rejected a last-ditch bid from Tottenham.
Inter, on the other hand, will have been pleased to keep Marcelo Brozovic out of Tottenham’s grasp. Antonio Conte is a fan of the 29-year-old, whom he previously worked with while in charge of the Serie A giants. But the midfielder is very much a part of Inter’s long-term plans.
Inter Milan v AC Milan: A tale of a historic rivalry
Over the years, there has been no love lost between the two sides. The Rossoneri have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, and these games are usually tight. Earlier in the season, the two sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Both goals were scored in the first 17 minutes as a Stefan de Vrij own goal cancelled out Halkan Calhanoglu’s spot-kick.
In the previous season, Inter thrashed Milan 3-0, with Lautaro Martinez grabbing a double, while Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the points shortly after the hour mark. There’s a lot riding on this game. It’s one that neither side can afford to lose. However, Inter may just edge this one and claim a win.
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