AC Milan vs. Inter Milan: Complete Preview, Team News, Possible Starting Lineups

Serie A: AC Milan vs. Internazionale, Sun 7/10 (2.45 p.m. ET)

Milanese dominance in Italian football may have been conceded to Juventus, but the Milan derby nevertheless remains one of the greatest spectacles in the game.

Both Milan and Inter have been in poor form at their shared home so far this season, and both teams will be looking to make a statement in Sunday's evening clash.

Inter currently sit four points back from leaders Juve, whilst Milan lie in mid-table, having lost three of their opening six games.

Here is a complete preview for what will surely prove an entertaining game.

Recent Derby della Madonnina History

The swings the Derby della Madonnina has taken in past seasons suggests that AC Milan are poised to win both league encounters this season.

Inter claimed bragging rights in both Serie A meetings between the clubs in the last campaign, Milan the season before that, and Inter the season before that.

Indeed, the last time the two teams produced a draw was back in 2004. Therefore, it would not be unreasonable to expect a result—goals, too.

AC Milan Form: DLWDW

Things are beginning to pick up for the Rossoneri, with the team starting to inch their way up the Serie A table. Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri's side grabbed a late but vital 3-2 win at Russian side Zenit in the Champions League in midweek.

A Stephan El Shaarawy-inspired 2-0 win over Cagliari was followed by an underwhelming draw at Parma in the club's previous two league games.

Before that, Milan had suffered morale-sapping loses against Atalanta and Udinese.

Inter Form: WDLWW

Inter Milan have fared slightly better than their rivals in the early stages of the season, having won four of their first six league games.

The team quickly overcame the setback of losing 2-0 to Siena at home a couple of weeks ago, with back-to-back Serie A wins over Chievo and Fiorentina.

Inter captain Javier Zanetti recently revealed his thoughts on the team's season so far (via Bettor.com): "The League table is starting to look the way it should do now and we'll push on. We're in the mix now, we're aware of our strengths and ready to keep battling".

AC Milan Team News, Possible XI

Alexandre Pato remains the biggest name on the sidelines for Milan. The Brazilian striker has shown no signs of overcoming his ongoing injury issues in time for Sunday's game as of Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Mathieu Flamini is returning to full fitness, and made an appearance on the bench in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Zenit.

Following Bojan's poor performance in Russia, Giampaolo Pazzini could return in attack for the Rossoneri this weekend.

Possible XI: Abbiati, Abate, Zapata, Mexes, Antonini, De Jong, Montolivo, Nocerino, Boateng, El Shaarawy, Pazzini.

Inter Team News, Possible XI

Wesley Sneijder is the biggest injury doubt for Andrea Stramaccioni's side heading into Sunday's game, having recently picked up a thigh injury that is unlikely to heal in time.

McDonald Mariga, Dejan Stankovic and Rodrigo Palacio are also tipped to miss out, while Romanian defender Cristian Chivu is back fighting fit.

Possible XI: Handanovic, Juan, Ranocchia, Samuel, Zanetti, Guarin, Pereira, Cambiasso, Nagatomo, Cassano, Milito.

Players to Watch

AC Milan: Stephan El Shaarawy.

Who else? Milan's teenage prodigy, Stephan El Shaarawy, has taken Serie A by storm this season. The youngster has been a rare shining light amid much gloom for the Rossoneri.

A tricky, lightning-quick striker, the 19-year-old has already scored five goals in eight appearances so far this campaign.

Internazionale: Andrea Ranocchia.

Central defender Andrea Ranocchia has been one of the very best players at his position this year, dominating Inter's defence with an assurance that defies his relatively young age.

The 24-year-old is a tough tackler, who also excels in aerial duels.

What do you think will be the outcome of Sunday's game?