Inter Milan host AC Milan at the San Siro on Sunday night with second place and title momentum at stake in the 238th edition of the Derby della Madonnina. Kickoff is set for 20:45 CET (2:45 PM ET) in a fixture that could see the winner climb level with or above league leaders AS Roma, who sit on 24 points. Inter (24 points, 8-0-3) hold second on goal difference, while Milan (22 points, 6-4-1) trail by two in third. The loser faces a five-point gap to the summit.
Head-to-head dynamics
AC Milan ended a painful six-match derby losing streak with a 2-1 victory last September, but the broader picture remains bleak for the Rossoneri. Inter have dominated the last 10 meetings with seven wins, one draw and just two defeats. Sunday marks the first derby between rookie Inter boss Cristian Chivu and returning Milan veteran Massimiliano Allegri, pitting aggressive pressing against pragmatic control.
Inter’s perfect home stretch
Inter arrive on a five-game winning run from their last six overall (W-W-L-W-W-W). At home, Chivu’s men have been flawless in their last three, beating Lazio 2-0, Fiorentina 3-0 and Kairat 2-1. The Nerazzurri have scored at least two goals in every San Siro appearance since late September, reflecting Chivu’s high-tempo philosophy. Inter have found the net in the first half in eight of 11 league games this season, suffocating opponents early. The downside: all three losses came via counter-attack goals when the press was broken.
Milan grind but leak
Milan are unbeaten in their last six (D-W-D-D-W-D) but have drawn four times already this campaign. Away from home, their last three outings read 2-2 at Parma, 1-1 at Atalanta and 1-0 at Monza. Clean sheets have been elusive on the road, but Allegri’s side have become experts at late drama, scoring four goals after the 75th minute in their last five matches. The coach is content to concede possession (averaging 48 percent against top-six opponents) and rely on the pace of Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic in transition.
Tactical hinge
Inter’s aggression in the opening 30 minutes will collide with Milan’s willingness to absorb pressure and strike late. If Chivu’s press forces errors, Inter win comfortably. If Milan survive the storm, their counter-attacking weapons could punish tired legs in the final 20 minutes.
Team news
Inter are sweating on Denzel Dumfries (ankle), with Matteo Darmian on standby at right wing-back. Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains out. Milan’s key update: Christian Pulisic skipped USMNT duty to recover from a minor hamstring issue and is fully fit after 20 minutes off the bench two weeks ago. Alessandro Florenzi (knee) is unavailable.
Probable lineups
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Frattesi, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez.
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal, Tomori, Gabbia, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leão; Morata.
Numbers to watch
Inter have scored two or more goals in every home match since late September. Milan have netted four times after the 75th minute in their last five. Referee Simone Sozza averages 5.2 yellow cards per game this season.
Where to watch
Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network (USA). Temperatures will drop to 42°F (6°C) at kickoff with snow showers possible late in the match.
