Verdict: Inter Milan win
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
With all eyes from across Europe falling on the San Siro this weekend, Inter Milan will meet their struggling arch-rivals on Sunday night.
Inter Milan
Starting with Inter Milan, although they might have been left stunned by that 1-0 loss at home against Empoli on January 23rd, Simone Inzaghi’s side have certainly proven that was nothing more than a minor blip. Last seen putting in another professional display as they claimed a 1-0 victory against Atalanta, the former Lazio boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Although the Nerazzurri will know that they need a minor miracle if they’re to catch runaway leaders Napoli, Inter have lost just one of their last 10 straight appearances across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to November 6th. Likewise, laying down what was a remarkable marker last month as they lifted this year’s Italian Super Cup thanks to a 3-0 romp against their bitter local rivals, Inzaghi’s men have also won five of their last six outings. Gaining a reputation for their defensive steel and shipping just a single strike in their last five appearances against top-flight opposition, the Nerazzurri should be smelling a real chance here.
Team News
Inter Milan will be glad to welcome back both Stefan de Vrij and Nicolo Barella from their respective suspensions on Sunday night.
Likewise, despite it looking like Marcelo Brozovic could be on the move during the January transfer window, the Croatian international is set to start here.
AC Milan
As for AC, while their bitter local rivals might be riding quite the wave of momentum, the same cannot be said for Stefano Pioli’s side. While the Rossoneri might have gained a string of plaudits last season as they were crowned Serie A champions, the ex-Fiorentina boss now finds a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders at the San Siro. Last seen putting in a nightmare performance as they were hit with a stunning 5-2 loss at home against Sassuolo, AC have remarkably won just one of their seven post-World Cup matchups. Likewise, losing each of their last three top-flight battles on the spin by an aggregate score of 12-2, Pioli should have a real headache over his side’s glaring defensive struggles. In fact, the Italian giants have failed to record a single clean sheet since the start of November. Putting in a woeful display as they were hit with that 3-0 drumming against the Nerazzurri in last month’s Super Cup event, AC will be more than aware that they face another huge challenge on Sunday night.
Team News
25-year-old midfielder Ismael Bennacer is the latest addition to AC Milan’s growing injury list. The Rossoneri will also be without the duo of Fikayo Tomori and Mike Maignan this weekend.
While Zlatan Ibrahimovic might have finally returned from his long-term injury issue, Olivier Giroud will lead Pioli’s charge on Sunday night.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides met in last month’s Super Cup, Inter Milan cruised their way to a stunning 3-0 romp at the King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia.
- The Nerazzurri have lost just one of their last 10 straight appearances across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to November 6th.
- Likewise, Inter Milan have also shipped just a single goal in their last five meetings against Serie A opposition.
- AC Milan have remarkably lost each of their previous three Serie A outings by an aggregate score of 12-2.
- The reigning Serie A champions have also recorded just a single post-World Cup victory from their seven appearances.
Conclusion
Claiming this season’s Super Cup thanks to a thumping 3-0 romp against their bitter local rivals, there is no doubt that Inter Milan will be desperate for a repeat display here. Now losing just one of their previous 10 domestic matchups on either side of the World Cup break, Inzaghi’s side have also continued to show plenty of defensive resolve. Riding what has been an eye-catching wave of momentum, Inter will be looking to cash in on a Rossoneri squad who are in the midst of a public nightmare. Last seen getting hit with a shock 5-2 drumming at home against Sassuolo, the reigning Serie A champions have now lost each of their last three top-flight appearances by an aggregate score of 12-2. Given the huge recent gulf in class, an Inter win can be found at appealing odds here.
Verdict: Inter Milan win
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
