Frank Christian
The upcoming Milan derby promises to be crucial for both Inter and AC Milan as they face off at San Siro this Sunday, marking an essential moment in their seasons.
For AC Milan and their new manager Paulo Fonseca, the beginning of the season has been rocky, with only one victory in four Serie A matches, coupled with a loss to Liverpool in their UEFA Champions League opener.
American winger Christian Pulisic has been a standout player, netting three goals and providing two assists. However, the team has struggled defensively, often unable to protect leads. In their recent Champions League match, Pulisic struck in the third minute, but Milan ended up losing 3-1.
Meanwhile, Inter started off strong but has seen two consecutive draws, with their recent matches yielding a draw against Monza and a goalless tie against Manchester City in the Champions League. It has been a slow start for reigning Golden Boot winner Lautaro Martinez, who is still searching for his first goal this season.
Lineups for Inter vs. AC Milan and Team Updates
Inter’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, excluded Lautaro Martinez from the squad in their recent Champions League clash against Manchester City, but he is expected to lead the attack against AC Milan, potentially substituting Mehdi Taremi. Henrikh Mkhitaryan may also make a return after appearing as a substitute in the last game, although both have faced challenges early in the season.
The main injury concern for Inter is Tajon Buchanan, who is on the road to recovery from a broken leg but will not rush back. Marko Arnautovic, who missed the last match due to illness, is expected to be ready for this fixture.
Federico Dimarco returned to training this week after being sidelined for the City match and could be included in the starting lineup if he passes fitness tests.
Inter’s Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3): Sommer (GK) — Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni — Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Augusto — Thuram, L. Martinez
Injured: Buchanan, Dimarco (doubt)
Suspended: None
AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was forced to leave their midweek game against Liverpool, has received positive news from scans showing no significant damage, meaning he is likely to play. This is crucial since backup Marco Sportiello is still healing from an unusual hand injury suffered during preseason.
Davide Calabria is also cleared to play following his injury in the Champions League match, but Malick Thiaw and Ismael Bennacer are out with multi-week ankle injuries, with Bennacer set to miss a significant portion of the season. Additionally, Alessandro Florenzi is sidelined for several months due to an ACL tear.
AC Milan’s Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan (GK) — Calabria, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez — Fofana, Loftus-Cheek — Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao — Morata
Injured: Thiaw, Bennacer, Florenzi
Suspended: None
How to Watch Inter vs. AC Milan
Here’s where to catch this eagerly anticipated Serie A matchup worldwide:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | FOX Deportes | Paramount+, Fubo |
| Canada | — | Fubo |
| UK | TNT Sports 1 | discovery+ |
| Australia | beIN Sports 2 | beIN Sports Connect |
| India | — | GXR World |
