AC Milan vs Inter Milan Preview

AC Milan vs. Inter Milan
Saturday Aug. 29, 2009
San Siro
Kick-Off: 19:45

AC Milan
AC Milan come into the Derby after a solid 2-1 opening day win against Siena.

Pato linked up beautifully with Ronaldinho on two occasions to seal the three points for Leonardo’s side.

Leonardo opted to start with Marco Borriello up front in the absence of Filippo Inzaghi, but may shake things up ahead of the derby on Saturday.

New boy Thiaguinho was impressive in his Milan debut and could figure in again against Jose Mourinho’s Inter.  Playing against the likes of Samuel Eto’o would definitely be a different kind of a challenge for the Brazilian, but if first looks are an indication of Thiaguinho’s ability, Leonardo has a fantastic talent on his hands.

Mathieu Flamini has taken on a more involved role for Milan after the departure of Kaká and could be a very influential figure over the course of the season.

Inter Milan
José Mourinho will be unhappy with his Inter Milan side only managing a draw against newcomers Bari in their home opener.

Inter got the breakthrough in the second half through a Samuel Eto’o penalty but shortly conceded an equaliser.  They chased a winner late in the game, but could just as easily have conceded a second goal to Bari in the dying minutes of injury time.

Inter seemed to lack a cutting edge in the match, which will certainly concern Mourinho ahead of the derby.

Mario Balotelli was caught numerous times trying to do too much with the ball, and Diego Milito showed only glimpses of what made him such a valuable player at Real Zaragoza and Genoa.  The attack gives the indication that it has not gelled just yet, but once they do, they will be a real force to be reckoned with.

Lucio made his Serie A debut in defence for Internazionale and should be selected against Milan.  Esteban Cambiasso’s creativity and passing ability was missed dearly by Inter against Bari.

Prediction
Last season, the clubs split the two meetings with one win a piece.  AC Milan won the first meeting 1-0 and Inter won the second 2-1.  There is seldom more than one goal between the sides, and that trend is unlikely to be broken.

Inter will come in with a point to prove, after faltering in their opener.  Expect Diego Milito and Samuel Eto’o to be more influential as they ease into their roles at Inter.  Javier Zanetti has a tendency to elevate his play in games like this, and Internazionale will turn to their captain to lead them.

This promises to be a fantastic and very tight match.  Serie A clubs have a tendency to prioritise defence at all costs, but hopefully the match will open up.  An early goal would do the match a world of good.

AC Milan-Inter Milan Prediction: Milan 1—Internazionale 1

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