Sunday's Derby della Madonnina meeting between the two city rivals could ultimately prove decisive in the Scudetto battle.

On Sunday, the latest installment of the world-famous Derby della Madonnina will get underway, and as always, this is a highly-anticipated clash for many Serie A fans all over the world. However, this year's match will be even more crucial as both Milan and Inter are locked in an intriguing battle for the Scudetto - a trophy that has eluded them for years.

Indeed, neither team have won the coveted title in over a decade, with Milan's last triumph coming in 2011, while Inter last won it in 2010.

The Rossoneri, who will serve as the "home" side, come into this match having slipped down to second place following a shock defeat to newly promoted Spezia, while the Nerazzurri have now claimed top spot thanks to their resounding 3-1 win over Lazio.

Just one point divides the two Milan giants, with Inter on 50 points while Milan sit on 49. Antonio Conte's men have lost just two games all season, and only once since the start of the new year, when Sampdoria managed to pull off a 2-1 victory on January 6th. Meanwhile, Stefano Pioli's squad have lost only three times, albeit two of those losses have come in their last five meetings.

Inter will of course be eager to come out on top here, especially as they lost 2-1 to Milan in the first Derby della Madonnina this season; should they succeed, the Nerazzurri will move four points clear.

Not surprisingly, there are also some interesting records that players could set when the two sides take to the pitch this weekend.

First up is Romelu Lukaku. The big Belgian has had a fantastic campaign so far, and has 16 goals to his name. Joint tied with Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Capocannoniere, the former Manchester United man could become the first player since Benito Lorenzi to score in four consecutive Milan Derbies. Lorenzi achieved this between 1948 and 1950, and over 70 years later, fans could see another player achieve this feat.

Here's how star strikers Ibrahimovic and Lukaku stack up heading into the 228th Derby della Madonnina this weekend

 

Second is none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The veteran Swede has shown no signs of slowing down, and is already the oldest player to score in a Derby della Madonnina. On January 26th, he scored Milan's only goal in the Coppa Italia - albeit was later sent off after a scuffle with Lukaku and then picking up another yellow during the second half. Ibrahimovic, who will be 40 later this year, has netted 14 times this season and could become the oldest player in league history to score 15 or more times in one campaign if he can find the back of the net on Sunday.

Of course, this will also be the first time Ibrahimovic and Lukaku come to face after their tussle during January's Coppa Italia meeting. Will there be peace or war when the two former Manchester United colleagues line up for their respective sides?