Milan need a derby response after Bologna defeat as Inter move top
Rúben Amorim still has a long injury list, while Inter expect to be without captain Lautaro Martínez. Milan won both league derbies last season 1–0, but now face an unbeaten Inter side that has won eight of its opening nine league games.
The timing could hardly be harsher for Milan. Alphadjo Cissé turned an early deficit into a 2–1 lead against Bologna, but the visitors scored three times after the break to win 4–2 at San Siro. It was Milan’s first league defeat of the season, leaving Amorim with little time to regroup before facing the leaders.
Despite Inter’s stronger form, the last two league derbies were tight; another close draw with a goal apiece looks more plausible than a shootout.
Milan’s injury list remains extensive: Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira, Samuel Chukwueze, Mario Gila, Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano were all listed among the absentees around Wednesday’s match. Inter are expected to be without Lautaro Martínez, while Benjamin Pavard, Curtis Jones and John Stones were still being monitored in the latest reporting. Their availability for Saturday remains uncertain.
Inter lead Serie A with 25 points from nine games, level with Lazio but ahead in the published standings after scoring 25 goals and conceding 10. Milan are fifth on 18 points, with 18 goals scored and 11 conceded. Inter have yet to lose in the league; Milan’s defeat to Bologna ended their unbeaten start.
Milan’s recent derby record gives them a counterweight to that gap in form. They have won their last three competitive meetings with Inter, including both Serie A fixtures last season, and their March victory was their third consecutive competitive derby win. The question is whether that run can survive the injuries and the sharp contrast in the teams’ latest results.
