AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Inter Milan are one win away from securing their second Serie A title in four years, and beating derby rivals AC Milan this weekend is going to be the storybook ending to their 2023-24 campaign.
The Nerazzurri haven’t lost a single league match this year. But because they’re already out of the Champions League, all that’s left is for them to wrap up the Scudetto as soon as possible to start the party in San Siro.
But it’ll be easier said than done because AC Milan are on an undefeated streak themselves, with their last loss dating back to mid-February against Monza, and their objective on Monday is to delay Inter Milan’s coronation just for the sake of pissing them off.
Despite their disparity in the table, this figures to be the marquee game of the 33rd matchday.
Talking Points
Pioli back in the AC Milan hot seat
After bowing out of the Europa League and because they’re way off in the Scudetto race, Stefano Pioli’s managerial job is in danger once again.
Many want Pioli’s head because of his poor tactics and inability to draw out production from his players, which was evident against the Giallorossi both in the first and second legs.
A potential comeback was on the cards in the second leg when Zeki Celik was sent off during the half-hour mark, reducing AS Roma to 10 men. However, they were wasteful in front of goal, with only Matteo Gabbia converting one out of their 20 total shots.
Another cause of concern for AC Milan is the decline of Olivier Giroud, who kept losing the ball against AS Roma. The 37-year-old Frenchman will likely start for the team in the derby, but don’t be surprised if he turns in yet another anonymous performance despite leading the team in scoring this season with 15 goals.
AC Milan also need to refresh their midfield because the combination of Yunus Musah and Ismael Bennacer is not cutting it for them.
Furthermore, AC Milan’s defencive frailties might re-emerge, which Inter Milan can exploit because Pioli doesn’t have a full backline to choose from ahead of Monday, as Simon Kjaer and Pierre Kalulu are out injured while Malick Thiaw is suspended.
Martinez is back for Inter Milan
AC Milan’s defence is going to be in for a long night because Inter Milan will have Lautaro Martinez back in the fold on Monday.
The Argentinean striker was sidelined against Cagliari because he served his suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise because he’ll have a full week of rest.
With 23 league goals this season, Martinez is the frontrunner of the Capocannoniere race, and he can add to his total against their derby rivals.
He’ll replace Alexis Sanchez in the starting lineup and will be joined up front by Marcus Thuram, who is having a solid debut campaign with the Nerazzurri, having recorded 12 goals and seven assists this term.
History
Inter Milan demolished AC Milan in their reverse fixture with a 5-1 scoreline, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan (brace), Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Davide Frattesi all found the back of the net for the Nerazzurri while Rafael Leao prevented a clean sheet for the Rossoneri.
Simone Inzaghi’s men have won the last five derbies against Stefano Pioli’s side across all competitions, which is a record run. AC Milan have also won only one of their last eight derbies, when Inter Milan were hosts, in all competitions (D3, L4).
AC Milan have yet to record two home wins in a row against Inter Milan in Serie A since 2008. However, they are unbeaten in 16 of their last 17 Serie A matches (W12, D4), scoring 37 goals in the process.
Betting Tip
The Serie A 2024 odds predict a close fight between these two derby rivals on Monday night. Inter Milan are installed at 2.00 to win, but AC Milan are not far behind at 3.32, and a draw is at 3.34 odds in the 1X2 market.
SBOTOP football fans can expect Serie A 2024 highlights from this contest, with the visitors likely to score more, hence our recommended bet above. You can also go for Over 2.50 at 1.75, Over 3.00 at 2.26, and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.96 as alternative bets. However, if you think that this is going to be a low-scoring affair, then check out Total Goal 0-1 at 3.81 and Under 2.50 at 2.14.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
