Internazionale vs Milan Preview

February 23, 2013 By Gregory Sica

The fierce rivals clash in what promises to be an enthralling Derby della Madonnina at a packed San Siro on Sunday.

Italy will come to a standstill, as two of the biggest clubs in the country battle for supremacy in a fixture that always lives up to expectation.

Milan come into the clash as the favourites, not only due to the fact that they are unbeaten in their last seven matches in the Serie A, but because they pulled off an impressive, and rather surprising 2-0 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League midweek.

The Rossoneri had commenced the 2012-13 season in devastating form, but since have regrouped and formed not only one of the strongest teams in Italy, but on the entire European continent for that matter.

Massimiliano Allegri, who was lucky to remain at his post earlier in the season, has finally managed to get the most out of his players, and this has allowed them to climb above Inter and Lazio into third position on the table.

With Milan doing well already, the signing of Mario Balotelli from Manchester City has been a major bonus. The Italian international has scored four goals in his first three games, and will be hoping to continue his impressive scoring form against his former club.

Balotelli will form part of an intimidating three-man attack, which also includes Bojan and Stephan El Shaarawy, Milan's leading scorer this season with 15 Serie A goals.

With Andrea Ranocchia, Antonio Nocerino, Mathieu Flamini and long-term absentee Nigel de Jong all sidelined, Allegri is expected to make several modifications to Milan's starting eleven. One player who will return to the fold is Japanese left-back Yuto Nagatomo.

Inter, who were thrashed 4-1 by Fiorentina last weekend, have struggled to find both consistency and order under inexperienced coach Andrea Stramaccioni.

He has failed to mould together a strong starting eleven, and with a number of key players out injured, including the Argentine duo of Walter Samuel and Diego Milito, Inter could be in for a rough time against their eternal rivals.

With Alvaro Pereira suspended, injury-plagued midfielder Dejan Stankovic could feature for the Nerazzurri. His inclusion would add a great deal of experience to the side.

According to reports, Inter's attack will comprise of Rodrigo Palacio and Antonio Cassano, two players who are more than capable of finding the back of the net.