Sunday’s derby della Madonnina between Inter and Milan is the key Serie A match this weekend with both sides needing a win to improve their chances of winning the scudetto. Inter come into this match with 2 wins from their last 7 league games, while city rivals, Milan have lost only one game in their last 7 outings, however, all this will count for nothing when the pair clash at the San Siro on Sunday.
Looking at this match objectively, Inter have a superior head to head advantage. The Nerazzurri won both matches last season and will be looking to carry on from where they left off in January when they beat Milan 2-0. Moreover, Sunday’s match could signal the beginning of the end for under fire coach Rafa Benitez.
The Spaniard has of late come under increasing pressure from fans who are displeased with the poor results Inter have achieved in their last 7 matches. However, one player has come to the defense of his coach. Dutchman Wesley Sneijder has urged his team mates to forget about former coach Mourinho and focus their energies on help Benitez do well.
Speaking via his twitter account, Sneijder had some very hard words for his colleagues.
“Mourinho is in the past, We must think about the present and no longer in the past.
“We might be in some trouble, but there are explanations for this. We come from a fantastic season that will be difficult to forget. The real fans will never jeer their own players, especially when they are going through a tough period.
“I don’t want to lose the derby because it was my debut match last season. I will never forget it. I am getting better and need help from the fans and Benitez. He is a great coach just like Mourinho,” yeah, but is it even possible to write all this on twitter?
Anyway, Milan will have to do without the services of savior Pipo Inzaghi. Inzaghi suffered a knee injury during Milan’s 3-1 win over Palermo on Wednesday ruling him out of Sunday’s crunch tie.
Team News
Inter Milan welcomes back Argentine striker Diego Milito who has been out of action for than a month, however, Sneijder, Stankovic and Samuel are all doubtful for the match.
Benitez will most probably use a 4-3-2-1 with Milito playing as the lone striker.
Milan on the other side will be without Inzaghi and Pirlo who is doubtful for the game. Allegri will counter Benitez’s formation with a 4-3-3 attacking formation. Brazilian striker Robinho could get a surprise starting line place after impressing in the last few matches.
Prediction
A 2-2 draw is the end result, however, either side can bag all 3 points on offer.
Photo credit: from ScROs
