Milan – Inter Serie A Week 28

This edition of the Derby della Madonnina has first versus second facing each other. Inter are, by most definitions, running away with the scudetto as they are 10 points ahead of Milan. Milan have to look over their shoulder, as much, if not more than the gap ahead. Fifth place Como started this matchday nine points behind Milan and they won (beating Cagliari 2-1) to close the gap.

Milan enter this match up having struggled to beat Cremonese. Chances were wasted and a now typical first half slow start had looked to condemn Milan to more dropped points. Very late Pavlovic and Leao goals rescued the points.

Inter have now exited the Champions League and besides the Serie A only have the Coppa Italia to play for. Less games should mean more training and rest. Milan of course have had one of the lighter schedules in the team’s recent seasons. Will this mean much or make a difference? Probably not in the title race.

On the injury front Bartesaghi exited the pitch late versus Cremonese but could be ready for the bench at least. Players like Rabiot and Saelemaekers who were one yellow away from missing this derby finished the match unscathed. Gabbia, hernia surgery, and Loftus-Cheek, fractured jaw, will miss a few weeks but Gimenez is reportedly close to a return.

Allegri has little defensive options and this means Tomori, De Winter and Pavlovic will start in front of Maignan. There is little chance of surprises elsewhere on the pitch with Fofana likely to remain preferred with Modric and Rabiot alongside him. Saelemaekers and Esptupinan remain the wide players. The latter may give way to Bartesaghi if the Italian’s recovery is deemed sufficient. Despite struggling for most of the season Pulisic should start. The same could also be said about Leao.

Allegri’s non-pressing style is increasingly frustrating. When deployed against teams like Cremonese it becomes more so with the middle not set up to pressure the opposition and relying more on the wider players and on the running and carries of Pavlovic for example.

Inter are without Lautaro but are otherwise relatively healthy.

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