Inter Milan will face AC Milan at San Siro for the 12th Serie A fixture of the 2025/2026 campaign, in a Derby della Madonnina clash that promises to be extremely dramatic and tense.
That is because both sides will be striving to win, not just because they are facing their rivals, but also because each point is crucial this season.
Following AC Milan’s equaliser against Parma, they lost the lead of Serie A and share the same number of points with Napoli, who are also determined to defend their title.
With two points separating AC Milan and Napoli from Inter Milan and AS Roma, the competition at the top of the league standings is becoming fiercer with each fixture, and that’s an additional factor that will push both teams to try to earn the three points in this direct challenge.
In this tactical preview of the Derby della Madonnina, our focus will be on both teams’ expected lineups and formations, how they need to play to win, what to avoid, and what to focus on.
The analysis will take into account both head coaches’ principles and playing styles, examining how they can improve their approach to such big occasions.
Expected AC Milan Lineup, Formation & Defensive Plan
Under the management of Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan have demonstrated on numerous occasions that they concede far fewer goals in “big games” than against less renowned opponents.
For example, they conceded two goals against Cremonese, Pisa, and Parma, but did not concede against Roma or Juventus.
Even against Napoli, they conceded just once, with that goal coming from a penalty, not from open play.
Milan’s tendency to concede fewer goals against the big teams can be further consolidated in the Derby della Madonnina, as Allegri pays close attention to the team’s defensive performances, especially in such encounters.
However, the mission will not be that simple this time, as Inter Milan have proven they are still good enough in attack.
The Nerazzurri have become even more dangerous in this regard, having reinforced their team with two powerful strikers who have integrated well.
Both Ange-Yoan Bonny and Pio Esposito have confirmed over the last few games that they are worthy of rotation alongside Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, thanks to their valuable attacking contributions.
This addition of reliable attacking options will certainly pose a problem for AC Milan’s defence, as they will have to stop the four players if Cristian Chivu chooses to create attacking chances in the second half.
In other words, Allegri and AC Milan’s defensive mission will be much more complicated than last season, when they had to focus only on the threats of Martínez and Thuram.
This season, however, it will be crucial to study the four forwards’ profiles and prepare specific plans to limit the threat posed by each, in case Chivu uses all four strikers in this match.
Since Allegri will most likely be relying on Matteo Gabbia, Fikayo Tomori, and Strahinja Pavlović as centre-backs, it will be crucial for the three of them to mark their direct opponents tightly and avoid letting one of them win the ball with his back to the goal and turn to shoot or provide a backward pass to the ones coming from behind.
Both Esposito and Martínez are known for being extremely dangerous when receiving the ball with their backs to the goal, as they have proved on numerous occasions that they can turn and score despite tight marking.
That’s why doubling the marking of strikers with an extra defender each time or with the support of Youssouf Fofana or Adrien Rabiot will be essential to alleviate Inter Milan’s striker threats inside the box.
The following picture highlights the marking mistakes AC Milan’s defence commits during moments of lack of concentration, conceding time and space to the opposing midfielders, who then find crucial passing trajectories to one of their most dangerous players.
In this case, AC Milan allowed Mario Pašalić to find a passing trajectory to Atalanta’s most dangerous player, Ademola Lookman, with Tomori and Alexis Saelemaekers leaving enough space for Lookman to receive the ball, make two steps with it, and shoot on goal.
Even Gabbia’s attempts to prevent the shot were not well-timed during this action, and that’s something that AC Milan need to work on not reproducing against a team with more dynamic and dangerous strikers than Atalanta.
AC Milan Plan To Limit Dangerous Inter Milan Attacking Transitions
In addition to that, AC Milan will have to take into consideration the fact that Chivu’s Inter Milan still relies on the quick and extremely dangerous attacking transitions, which rely on all of Hakan Çalhanoğlu in the first place, Nicolò Barella for making the links between the defence and attack, and Thuram for quickly accelerating with the ball to reach the box.
Inter Milan have also added reinforcements that fit this attacking strategy, with Petar Sučić, who can play the same role as Barella, and Bonny, who has very similar traits to Thuram, especially in attacking transitions.
To limit Inter Milan’s fatal attacking weapon, it will be important for AC Milan to play with close lines throughout the match and avoid letting them spread.
Milan can also choose to play with a very high defensive line to oblige Inter Milan into falling in the offside trap when trying to provide through passes during their attacking transitions.
But this can prove to be a very risky solution that Inter Milan might find solutions to resolving, especially if one of the defensive players commit a positioning mistake on the defensive line.
Therefore, a more risk-free solution would be to use a low defensive block, with one of the midfielders not advancing much to support the attack.
This would help AC Milan in remaining solid at the back even when they lose the ball upfront, while also avoiding numerical superiority in their own third.
The quick retreat of AC Milan’s wing-backs will also be crucial during such transitions, as Inter Milan is known for using the right wing so often in these attacking transitions.
Therefore, Pervis Estupiñán and Rabiot will have to fill that space when losing the ball, as they will need to be immediately attentive to passes towards that area.
In fact, AC Milan should not be obliged to concede a similar counterattacking action to this one, with Inter Milan players finding themselves in numerical superiority inside the opponent’s half, especially if they use their pace.
To avoid such actions, a static defence with a low defensive block would make passes at the back of the defensive line nearly impossible, making AC Milan’s goal more secure while not allowing the space needed by Barella, Thuram, & co.
If AC Milan succeed in limiting Inter Milan’s playmaking threats, especially during their attacking transitions, as well as marking their two strikers tightly throughout the match to avoid their turns and shots, they will certainly succeed in limiting Inter Milan’s overall attacking threats.
AC Milan Attention To Inter Milan Wing-Backs’ Movements & Actions
Another key element in AC Milan’s defensive preparation for the Derby della Madonnina is how to limit the threats posed by Federico Dimarco and Carlos Augusto.
Indeed, Augusto is not as dangerous as Denzel Dumfries, who has been injured and has not yet recovered 100%; however, AC Milan should not undermine Augusto’s attacking presence on the right wing.
Furthermore, Dumfries can still play in the match or be used in the second half despite reports that he has not yet trained with the team.
Milan should therefore be prepared to defend against Dimarco and Dumfries/Augusto.
And to do so, it will be fundamental for Saelemaekers and Estupiñán to be highly disciplined in the defensive phase; otherwise, AC Milan will suffer greatly, given both wing-backs’ attacking efficiency and usefulness in Chivu’s system.
Both wing-backs are known for their remarkable pace and goal-scoring abilities, whether through shooting from distance or through Dumfries’ aerial prowess.
Moreover, both players are excellent playmakers and can deliver extremely dangerous crosses into the box.
Since penetrations and overlaps from both wing-backs are very encouraged in Chivu’s system, both players can exploit the half-spaces and ask for the ball behind AC Milan’s defence before crossing or penetrating, and that’s why AC Milan will have to pay a lot of attention to these two players’ movements without the ball.
The following goal action highlights one of the many times Dimarco succeeded in finding the space to penetrate and receive the pass from Martínez before crossing accurately to Thuram, who was waiting inside the box.
Such movements at the back of the defensive line should not be allowed in the Derby della Madonnina; otherwise, AC Milan will concede dangerous crosses or penetration attempts that will be complicated to deal with.
Inter Milan Shooting From Distance Threat
Furthermore, AC Milan will have to be wary of shots from distance, as that is one of Inter Milan’s possible attacking solutions as well.
They showed on numerous occasions this season that they can rely on this weapon to beat their opponents and unblock games, mainly thanks to Çalhanoğlu, Barella, and Dimarco’s powerful and accurate shots from distance.
That’s why it will be important for AC Milan’s midfielders and defenders to remain very attentive to the Nerazzurri’s shooting attempts and make sure to block or deflect these shots to avoid conceding goals due to shots from distance.
The picture highlights one of the many times Inter Milan scored from distance, exploiting their midfielders’ exceptional shooting from distance.
AC Milan Expected Formation & Lineup
In terms of formations and lineups, it is no secret that Allegri has been relying on the 3-5-2 formation since the start of the season, and he has no plans to change it for now.
The formation suits his defensive plans and helps him keep the team balanced enough to score goals and avoid conceding many per game, even though the defensive performance has not always been as good as needed.
For the Derby della Madonnina, Allegri will most likely use the 3-5-2 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal and a back line of Pavlović, Gabbia, and Tomori.
The midfield will witness the return of Rabiot, who has been injured in recent weeks, and it is expected that Allegri will use him as a starter alongside Fofana as central midfielders and Luka Modrić as a deep-lying playmaker/defensive midfielder.
On the same line, Saelemaekers will be covering the right wing.
At the same time, Estupiñán will more likely have the advantage over Davide Bartesaghi, mainly because the Ecuadorian has trained at Milanello throughout the international break.
In contrast, the Italian has been involved with the Italian U21 national team.
The fact that Bartesaghi played two full games with the Italian U21 team recently gives Estupiñán an advantage to start the Derby Della Madonnina, as using Bartesaghi from the beginning would be considered a risk for Allegri, given the gap in conditions between the two players.
Attacking-wise, AC Milan will use an attacking duo that did not get many chances to play together this season due to injuries, as Allegri will most likely rely on Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic up front.
The injury to Santiago Giménez leaves Allegri with no other option but to use both the American and the Portuguese together, even though Christopher Nkunku‘s performances do not yet convince him.
Inter Milan Expected Lineup, Formation & Defensive Plan
For Inter Milan, it will be important to focus on breaking AC Milan’s defensive line early, so they can play with more ease, force AC Milan out of their half more frequently, and capitalise on the spaces left behind with their efficient attacking transitions.
But at the same time, it will be crucial for Inter Milan not to underestimate AC Milan’s strengths and to prepare for the game meticulously, especially defensively, knowing that AC Milan have plenty of powerful attacking weapons that might not be too obvious.
Inter Milan: Possible Solution To Limiting Luka Modrić Vertical Passing
First of all, finding a way to block Modrić’s very dangerous vertical passes from the back will be extremely useful to securing Inter Milan’s defence.
The Croatian midfielder has been one of the most impactful players within AC Milan’s attacking and playmaking structure this season, as his passes and vision have become essential in AC Milan’s build-up and final passing phases.
It is true that he does not always advance to the final third.
Even when he passes from midfield or his team’s own half, his vertical passes often create problems for the opposing defence, as he exploits the spaces behind the defensive line and intelligently follows the attacking players’ movements without the ball.
The following picture highlights one of the many times Modrić’s key vertical passes made the difference for AC Milan, allowing them to attack the spaces left by the opposing defence.
To avoid the impact of such key passes, one solution would be to apply tight marking on Modrić by one of the midfielders, more likely Piotr Zieliński or Sučić.
Following the solution of Sir Alex Ferguson in instructing Park Ji-sung to mark Andrea Pirlo tightly during their Manchester United vs AC Milan encounter in order to limit Pirlo’s dangerous vertical passing would be a very rewarding idea.
Many have used the same defensive tactic to limit dangerous playmakers’ threats, and perhaps the most recent instance was when Stefano Pioli instructed Rade Krunić to strictly mark Marcelo Brozović.
If Chivu succeeds in applying successful tight marking on Modrić, that would undoubtedly put AC Milan in trouble, as they have been relying extensively on the latter’s passing to create their attacks.
Inter Milan Needed Attention To The Rafael Leão-Christian Pulisic Duo
It is true that Leão and Pulisic have not had much time to play together yet; however, this should not make Inter Milan feel confident that the two will play together in the Derby Della Madonnina.
In fact, neither player is a proper striker, which can even make Inter Milan’s defence against them a bit more complicated.
In other words, both players tend to lean toward the wings and retreat to midfield at times, without necessarily staying inside the box regularly.
This would undoubtedly make Inter Milan’s defenders obliged to follow the two strikers and get out of the box if needed.
And in case they do so, AC Milan will certainly exploit the spaces left by Inter Milan’s defenders and use that in their favour by pushing Fofana or even Pavlović to fill those spaces and eventually get passes in that key area.
That could potentially occur against Inter Milan, since AC Milan will be playing with two “unorthodox” strikers rather than classic ones.
In this goal example, Leão leaned to his preferred left wing and advanced with the ball while Pavlović filled his spot inside the box and moved like a proper striker to receive the pass and finish inside the net.
To avoid such situations, Inter Milan will need to rely on zonal marking rather than man-marking.
So, in order to follow Leão outside the box, Inter Milan’s centre-back would let him go when he moves away from the box, but the right centre-back or the right central midfielder will have to immediately follow him outside the box.
In that way, Leão’s movements outside the box would not affect the team’s defensive organisation, and in case one of the midfield or defence players advanced to fill his spot, they would be directly marked by the centre-backs who are well-positioned inside their team’s penalty box.
That said, this solution might sound excellent in theory, but it can lead to major issues if not executed correctly and with the necessary urgency.
The lack of communication and understanding during such defensive actions might leave one of the opposing players totally unmarked.
Therefore, Inter Milan will need to be extremely attentive if they opt to use this defensive strategy to limit Milan’s attacking threats.
Inter Milan should also be extremely attentive to Saelemaekers’ penetrations from the right wing and his very quick, efficient one-on-one abilities.
It would be even more useful to ensure numerical superiority when facing him to prevent him from playing dangerous crosses with his left foot, his most recurrent and successful trick.
Using one of the midfielders to cover his direct marker would also be a fruitful idea, especially to prevent him from shooting from distance, given that the Belgian international has been very dangerous from outside the box since the start of the season.
Expected Inter Milan Formation & Lineup
Chivu will most likely start the Derby Della Madonnina in the usual 3-5-2 formation, with Yann Sommer in goal, and a defensive line of Alessandro Bastoni, Yann Bisseck, and Manuel Akanji as centre-backs.
The midfield will most probably be composed of Çalhanoğlu, Barella, and Sučić, who has a slight advantage over Zieliński to start the match.
On the wings, Dimarco will be the starter on the left side, while Dumfries is said not to be ready for the match yet.
This will lead to starting with Augusto on the right wing, with the potential to use Dumfries in the second half.
The attacking duo will be the two starters, Martínez and Thuram, with both Esposito and Bonny to come on in the second half, especially if things do not go well for Inter Milan in the first half.
Conclusion
Both Inter Milan and AC Milan will start the match with most of their players fit and ready, despite the tiring international fixtures.
Both teams’ convincing late runs of form make it difficult to predict a winner in this match.
But what is certain is that both of them have looked fragile at times and dropped points lately, so the team that exploits the other’s weaknesses better would potentially win this match.
