The Derby della Madonnina is upon us this weekend as AC Milan look to secure a crucial win over city rivals Inter on Sunday.
The Rossoneri have the chance to stretch our lead over the Nerazzurri to 10 points, while any slip-up from Napoli could also see us go clear at the top of the Serie A table.
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In order to extend our impressive start to the campaign though, there are key individual battles that could shape the outcome of the showdown, and Milan will certainly have a better chance of securing all three points if we come out on top in these.
Kjaer vs Dzeko
Edin Dzeko’s physicality and aerial threat is going to be a danger for Milan, and while Fikayo Tomori will play his part in trying to shut him down too, it’s Simon Kjaer who will arguably match up better with him.
The Danish stalwart will need to try and nullify his threat as much as possible, as while Dzeko is an obvious goalscoring threat himself if he gets the right service, his ability to link up play and bring others into dangerous areas will also cause us problems.
Ballo-Toure vs Darmian
Fode Ballo-Toure hasn’t quite fully convinced as of yet, as he still needs to mature and gain experience to be able to compete and perform at this level on a consistent basis.
This will perhaps be his biggest test yet as while he’ll have to deal with Inter’s attacking players drifting onto his flank, it’s the match-up with Matteo Darmian which will be key as we can’t afford to be penned in on that side and have a vulnerable area constantly targeted by the opposition.
Midfield trios
Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic and Hakan Calhanoglu provide a balanced trio of grit, determination and technical quality. They have the ability to run the game and dictate the tempo.
Franck Kessie and Sandro Tonali, provided that they are selected as the two-man pivot in front of the defence, can’t allow that to happen and so their physicality and pressing will be pivotal.
Further, Brahim Diaz must be clever with his movement between the lines to find pockets of space, allow us to bypass the Inter midfield with incisive and quick passes and in turn attack their backline with speed.
Leao vs Skriniar
Should Inter go with a back-three, Rafael Leao’s pace and directness down our left flank will be crucial in exposing an area that can be exploited, and has been in previous meetings.
With Darmian pushing up, Leao should have space on the left to run at the last line of Inter’s defence, and Milan Skriniar will be the one coming across to cover.
It’s a nightmare match-up for the Inter defender, as Leao’s pace and skill to take him on will cause him problems. Milan though have to get the ball to the Portuguese winger quickly, and he has to be clinical with his play, be it as a direct threat himself or in creating for his teammates.