Overview
The reigning Serie A runner-up last season, AC Milan, is facing the risk of not having a ticket to the European Cup next season. They are currently ranked 9th in the Serie A rankings and have quite poor form.
The Rossoneri have won two and lost four of their last six games. Therefore, Coppa Italia is one of Milan's salvations for their hope of participating in the European Cup next season.
Milan's problem is that they often lack courage in big matches. Since the beginning of the season, coach Sergio Conceicao's team has lost to Liverpool, Leverkusen, Fiorentina, Napoli (2 times), Atalanta, Juventus, Bologna and Lazio in many different arenas. However, the Milan derby was an exception. Milan have won 2 and drawn 1 in their last 3 meetings with Inter, despite always being the team considered weaker.
In the upcoming match, Milan will continue to be the team that is rated lower because Inter is in good form. The Nerazzurri have an 8-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, including 5 consecutive wins. The difference between Inter and their city rivals can be seen.
However, the Milan derby always brings a very different taste, where form and technique are not everything. Pressure from the corners of the stands in the Milan derby created a tense atmosphere. Therefore, with Milan considered the host of the upcoming match, they will have a significant advantage.
It will not be easy for Inter to defeat Milan despite having a higher force and form. The proof is that despite continuously losing in big matches, Milan often plays very well against Inter and has positive results.
Personnel situation
AC Milan will be without Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Emerson Royal and Malick Thiaw as they are all sidelined. Yunus Musah returns from suspension, while Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao and Pulisic are likely to start.
On the other side of the front line, Inter Milan will be without Kristjan Asllani due to suspension, while Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski are injured. Marko Arnautovic will pair Thuram after scoring the opening goal against Udinese last weekend.
Expected lineup:
AC Milan: Maignan, Walker, Pavlovic, Gabbia, Hernandez, Fofana, Musah, Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao, Abraham.
Inter Milan: Sommer, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Zalewski, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Thuram, Arnautovic.
The match between AC Milan and Inter Milan takes place at 2:00 am on January 3 (Vietnam time).
