As it stands, Milan is ahead of Inter in the league table but only by a narrow margin. Milan is in 7th with 17 pts while Inter is in 9th with 16 pts. Of course, there is more than half a season of fixtures left but like Milan, Inter can't afford to drop points and fall deeper.
So how is each team playing and what is their current form? Below is a small review of both Milan and Inter as well a preview of the upcoming Derby della Madonnina.
Inter's last 5 matches w/ result:
Oct 19 v Napoli- 2-2 draw
Oct 26 v Cesean- 1-0 win
Oct 29 v Sampdoria- 1-0 win
Nov 1 v Parma- 2-0 loss
Nov 9 v Hellas Verona- 2-2 draw
Form: D/W/W/L/D
Milan's last 5 matches w/result:
Oct 19 v Hellas Verona- 3-1 win
Oct 26 v Fiorentina- 1-1 draw
Oct 29 v Cagliari- 1-1 draw
Nov 2 v Palermo- 2-0 loss
Nov 8 v Sampdoria- 2-2 draw
Form: W/D/D/L/D
Inter have 8 pts out of their last five matches while Milan have 6 pts. Each team could really use three points here as it would be big in moving back into one of the Europa League spots.
Preview:
With Nigel de Jong a question mark to play in the derby after sustaining a hamstring injury, I expect Inzaghi to strongly consider a different formation, perhaps one that is more offensive minded. He could maybe look at a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 with a centre attacking midfielder instead of a defensive midfielder, which is what they currently use with de Jong in the starting squad. Here is what the squad could look like with a 4-3-3 attack (again, STRICTLY an idea):
Lopez; De Sciglio, Rami, Zapata, Abate; Muntari, Bonaventura, Poli; El Shaarawy, Menez, Honda
The key players for Milan against Inter, in my opinion, are: Stephan El Shaarawy, Adil Rami and Andrea Poli. Obviously, Milan need Stephan to hit his stride and start scoring on a regular basis. His goal against Sampdoria on the counter attack was an encouraging sign for Milan fans. Adil Rami will need to be at his best for Milan if Alex cannot start. Inter have some good attacking players that will need to be contained and it will be up to Rami to anchor down the defense on set pieces, which has hurt Milan for quite some time. Finally, there is Andrea Poli who, if he starts, could be an x-factor for Inzaghi. Poli has always been a fiery player and one that shows the adored "grinta." If de Jong is unable to play, Poli will have to bring the energy and turn in a gritty performance in the midfield. Regardless of formation, I believe Poli will start and this could be the game he solidifies himself as a mainstay in Inzaghi's squad moving forward.
Milan need a good performance here, which is what they have been lacking since defeating Chievo and Hellas Verona in consecutive matches in October. A win would be huge for Milan especially in a game of this magnitude and with the next group of matches leading up to the winter break being pretty challenging.
Let's hope Nigel de Jong is fit and ready to go for Milan. He scored the decisive goal the last time these two clubs met back in May so his inclusion could mean the difference here. Forza Milan.
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