Italy Round 5

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Inter vs AC Milan Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Inter:
Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez

AC Milan:
Maignan; Emerson, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Morata

Inter will host AC Milan in the most interesting fixture this weekend in Serie A. The Milan derby, also known as 'Derby della Madonnina', is one of the most awaited encounters in world football, and both teams display great attitude in the match. It is one of only few city derbies that are always played in the same stadium (Lazio and Roma is the second). The venue is named "San Siro" when Milan are the hosts, or "Giuseppe Meazza" when Inter are the hosts. It is called "Derby della Madonnina" in honour of one of the main sights in the city of Milan, the statue of the Virgin Mary on the top of the Duomo, which is often referred to as the "Madonnina" ("Little Madonna" in Italian).

Few interesting facts about the fixture. The first derby match between Inter and AC Milan was held in the final of the Chiasso Cup of 1908, a football tournament played in Canton Ticino (Switzerland), on 18 October. The Rossoneri won 2:1. A total of 239 official matches are played between these two sides over the years. Inter have won 91 matches, Milan 79 and 69 games finished with draw. Counting only the Serie A matches, the Nerazzurri are better again. Since 1929, they have 70 wins, while Milan won 54 times. The points were shared on 56 occasions.

Inter have two victories and two draws after the first four rounds. The victories were registered at home where they managed to beat Lecce and Atalanta, while drew with Genoa and Monza on road. Inter also played a draw with Manchester City in the Champions League. The atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is high. Federico Dimarco, who missed out the game at Etihad, should be back in the squad. Captain Lautaro Martinez is also set to return to the starting eleven. Marcus Thuram will certainly start up front as he is in excellent form. The French forward has recorded six goal involvements in just four league games this season.

AC Milan are in crisis. They have one loss, two draws and just one win in the first four rounds. This is a poor record, however something else was a bigger problem. Milan were defeated from Liverpool in the Champions League. What is worse, Milan were outplayed and the players confidence is low. Coach Fonseca is under enormous pressure, as well as the players. Worst of all, first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan was forced off on Tuesday. His replacement Marco Sportiello is still sidelined, meaning teenager Lorenzo Torriani will start. He is inexperienced and this is a huge handicap for Milan. Three players remain out injured - Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi and Malick Thiaw.

Inter vs AC Milan Prediction:

Captain Lautaro Martinez will probably return to the first eleven. He is yet to score this season, but I believe it's just a matter of time when he will. However, this is a bet against Milan. They were pathetic against Liverpool in the Champions League when lost 3:1. The players confidence is very low and coach Fonseca looks unable to change something. I expect Milan to win the derby. Worst of all, first two goalkeepers are injured, so the teenager Torriani will start. I doubt he can handle the pressure.

Inter vs AC Milan Pick: Inter to win @ 1.68 with Pinnacle