AC Milan vs Inter Milan match preview

The bitter rivalry between the two Milan giants has turned even uglier with the two clubs locked in the battle to land troubled Argentine striker Carlos Tevez. The Milan derby on Saturday promises to be an exhilarating contest with both teams in brilliant form.

Milan

PROBABLE LINE-UP

Abbiati

Abate

Nesta

‘Thiago Silva

Zambrotta;

Ambrosini

Van Bommel

Nocerino;

Boateng;

Robinho

Ibrahimovic

The Champions and Seria A Leaders are undoubtedly the team to beat in this years’ edition of the Italian first division. Followed closely by Juventus, Milan have been forced to step up to the challange and seem to be up to it. Their cross town rivals and the only Italian side in history to win a treble are, however, a whopping 8 points behind them. And having won 3 preceeding derbies, the Rosseneri would be upbeat about their chances this coming Saturday. But as the world knows, past record counts for nothing coming into Milan derbies. Boss Massimiliano Allegiri misses Alberto Aquilani in the midfield where he welcomes back Massimo Ambrossini and Clarence Seedorf. But his main problem still is the strikers’ department where he can’t decide on Robinho-Ibra or Pato-Ibra. That however, is a problem that he would cherish. Allegeri has transformed this Milan side into potential world beaters as it finally seems to be emerging out of the shadows of the departed Paulo Maldini, Kaka, and present legends – Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrossini and Fillipo Inzaghi.

Man to Watch – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The man who still looks a bit odd in that Milan shirt was once described as the ‘Best Player in The World’ by ‘ the special one’ himself, the enigmatic captain of the Swedish National Team is by his own admission (voted for Messi in the Ballon D’or) not quite the best player in the world anymore. That said, Ibracadabra is still one of the most dangerous players in world football. Top scorer in the Seria A this season, the former Barcelona man is still as lethal as he was in his time with the Nerazzuri and the Old Lady. He is one of the few players in the world who can change the game by producing that one moment of magic. He has scored an amazing 17 goals this season and is the man to watch from this Milan side.

Inter

PROBABLE LINE-UP

Julio Cesar

Maicon

Lucio

Samuel

Nagatomo

Zanetti

Motta

Cambiasso

Sneijder/ Alvarez

Forlan/ Pazzini

Milito

Inter have won six out of the last 10 Milan derbies in the league and none of them have been draws. Last season however, the Nerazzuri was erratic and Milan won both of them comprehensively. They also lost the super cup 2-1, which was down to Gaspereni’s 3-4-3. Stability has since been restored with Ranieri settling for a 4-4-2 which converts into a 4-3-1-2 when in attack with Alvarez playing as the attacking midfielder. Inter have finally found some form winning 5 games on the trot and currently lie 5th on the table. Wesley Sneijder – The subject of interest of many of Manchester’s journalists is set to return after two months on the sidelines, revealed Inter boss Claudio Ranieri. The ‘prized jewel’ will be ready to give his ‘120 percent’ in the coming Milan derby. Also returning would be world cup golden ball winner – Diego Forlan. The Uruguan has only managed one goal for Inter so far this season and like his fellow strikers, he has been out of form as La Beneamata spent most of the season in the relegation zone. In Ranieri’s own words “Now life will get more complicated because two great players like them are ready to make a comeback to the team”. But, with the team returning to form it is a complication that he would love to have. For the first time since Mourniho’s departure this Inter team looks secure and back to their impressive best. That 5-0 thrashing of Parma would surely ring some alarm bells in the Rosseneri camp.

Man to Watch- Diego Milito

After a huge goal drought and a poor 2010/11, Seria A’s footballer of the year 2010 seems to be coming back in form. He scored two brilliant goals and set up another in the 5-0 victory over Parma. An in-form Diego Milito is a handful for any defense let alone the leaky Milan defense which has already conceded 16 this season despite being top of the standings. Milito was the key performer in that treble winning season for Inter. And for them to do well in the derby and in the league as a whole, Milito must continue this recent run of form.

Prediction

2-1 to Inter. Should be a close one. Milan will score, being the top goal scorers in the league. But I’m going to be romantic and predict some retribution for Inter.