Milan hope to have key centre back Romagnoli available, although he is still rated as doubtful. His chances of starting appear to have improved after he resumed training with his teammates, while they would be weakened if he’s out. Bacca isn’t certain to start upfront, with Lapadula pushing to play, but it’s a plus that Niang is able to return after missing the last game through illness. Montella’s side go into the derby in the better shape and they’re playing with confidence, winning seven of their last nine games. There’s a lot of positivity around the club, with young players performing well, and they’ll be targeting all three points, which will also add to Inter’s woes in the process. They’ll be hungry to keep their good recent form going. Making a strong start could be really important and it’s likely that they’ll look to test Inter’s resolve in the opening exchanges, putting their defence under pressure. They’ll be playing to win, but will be just as keen to avoid defeat to their rivals, so if the game fails to open up and is cagey, it may well be the case that they’re willing to settle for a point late on rather than risk losing.
Inter will have their strongest XI available for the Milan clash, although Banega may be named amongst the substitutes after international duty, reducing creativity. Murillo replaces Ranocchia at centre back in a strengthening, while it’s a positive that Medel is back from suspension to start in midfield, where his tenacity will be important in this derby game. They’re not missing any key players. Pioli takes charge for the first time since being appointed as de Boer’s successor and it’s a real baptism of fire, as his team goes up against their big rivals Milan. Motivation won’t be lacking and they’ll be determined to get a positive result, although all is not well at the club at present, with them underachieving after spending big in the summer. They’ll hope to experience the new coach bounce which so often happens with a new appointment and will be hoping the saying about the form book going out of the window for derby games rings true. They have more individual talent than Milan, but will need to play as a team and will likely settle for a draw to start Pioli’s reign, focusing on keeping it tight, especially in the early exchanges.
Verdict
Milan will be extremely highly motivated for the derby against Inter and they go into the game in the better shape, having won seven of their last nine matches in Serie A. They’re the team in form and they’ll be hungry to secure another three points against their rivals. My money is on the home team!
Prediction: Milan +0.00 Asian Handicap (Same as Draw no Bet)
Odds: 1.99 12Bet
