Milan – Inter

The Derby della Madonnina will be a goal-fest.

Milan suffered a defeat to Bologna in the previous round. As early as the eighth minute, the Rossoblu took the lead thanks to a goal from Mbangula. However, the Devils quickly not only equalized but also went ahead. The joy of Amorim’s side lasted until the 60th minute. After Bartesaghi’s own goal, the Felsinei equalized and then took the lead thanks to Mbangula’s second goal. Samuel’s hat-trick in the 86th minute completed Bologna’s victory. Inter beat Venezia, but not without difficulty. The Winged Lions made a decent start against the Snakes. The Arancioneroverdi not only created more dangerous chances than their opponents in the first half but also managed to score. Lauberbach’s goal, however, was disallowed for a marginal offside after VAR intervention. The game was no easier for the Snakes after the break. Although Chivu’s side won, both goals were scored following own goals by opposing players. Rather unexpectedly, Milan had won the previous two Derby della Madonnina matches. In the previous season, both encounters ended in narrow victories for the Rossoneri. However, the current situation ahead of the match appears to be different. Inter’s statistical metrics are quite interesting. Chivu’s side have scored 25 goals in nine rounds. At the same time, their xG indicates that they should have scored more than two additional goals. Their xGA points to a slight shortfall in goals conceded. Milan have similar discrepancies, but with slightly different figures. It is important to note that six of Chivu’s nine matches ended with both teams scoring. The Snakes kept clean sheets only against Venezia, Parma, and Cagliari. Milan’s situation is similar: the Devils failed to exchange goals with their opponents in only three of their matches. These were the games against Udinese, Lecce, and Venezia. An obvious pattern is emerging: the clubs keep clean sheets only against lower-quality opponents. Both teams will play in European competitions, but the Snakes’ situation is slightly more complicated. In three days, Chivu’s side will face Feyenoord away, followed by a league match against Como. Christian Chivu will obviously have to rotate his squad. The Nerazzurri have clear problems in defense, and changes to the lineup may only make the situation more difficult. Milan are eager to make amends for their defeat to Bologna, but they are hardly capable of offering their opponents an equal contest. It is highly likely that this match will produce goals— for both teams.