MILAN PREPARE FOR BATTLE

As the calendar roles on into late November, AC Milan find themselves on a razor’s edge. With the city derby looming against Inter, the Rossoneri head into the match feeling the weight of both pressure and opportunity. A win at the Giuseppe Meazza isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s about sending a message in the early Scudetto race to prove that they are genuine contenders.

When all is factored in: It's shaping up to be the biggest Derby della Madonnina of recent times.

Match Details

• Fixture:  Inter vs AC Milan
• Date: Sunday 23 November 2025
• Kick-off: 20:45 local time at the Giuseppe Meazza, Milano.
• Competition: Serie A (Matchday 12)

Resilient but Fragile

Milan arrive in decent shape. They are unbeaten in the FIVE most recent derbies and have shown grit under Massimiliano Allegri this season. The Rossoneri have been steady through 11 matches, with 22 points, putting them just behind Inter at the top of the table.

But it's not all smooth sailing. In their most recent Serie A outing before the derby break, Milan surrendered a 2–0 lead to draw 2–2 with Parma. That result, plus similar faltering's against the likes of Pisa and Cremonense, has raised questions — can Milan start to take - and crucially keep, control of games, or will lapses cost them once again?

Inter, by contrast, have been ruthless. They’ve won their last 4 matches in all competitions, averaging an aggressive goal output while remaining defensively solid.

Positive signs... Finally!

Milan’s conditioning room has been a talking point heading into the derby, with a number of long-term absentees in line for a return to action.

• Adrien Rabiot has been out for some time but has trained this week and is now in line for a start.
• Christian Pulisic, previously sidelined with a hamstring issue, has made progress. He’s firmly back in contention after getting some important minutes in a practice match during the international break. He should start in attack.
• Santiago Giménez is a doubt. Reports suggest he still feels discomfort in his ankle, which will likely open the door for Pulisic to return.
• Ardon Jashari is also back in the first team picture following injury and can give Milan some much needed strength from the bench against Inter.

Matchwinners & Experience

• Rafael Leão: With Giménez potentially missing, Leão is likely to shoulder centre-forward duties. He’ll need to be clinical and creative against a sturdy Inter backline. He's a matchwinner when at his best and he could be a deciding factor in the derby.
• Christian Pulisic: If fully fit, the American offers a cutting edge on the counter-attack — his pace and movement could unsettle Inter’s wing-backs.
• Luka Modrić / Adrien Rabiot: Allegri may finally be able to call on his trusted midfield pivot which he put together in the summer. Their experience and composure will be vital in navigating Inter’s pressing and transitions.
• Alexis Saelemaekers: One of Milan's shining lights this campaign and a goalscorer last time out against Parma - the Belgian has the ability to light up the derby.

Tactical Outlook & Predicted Line-Up

Allegri is expected to stick with his preferred 3–5–2 shape, though forced tweaks could come given the injury list. Based on recent reports and tactical trends, here is a projected Milan XI:

• Goalkeeper: Maignan - Milan's trusted source between the sticks.
• Defence: Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlović form a compact back trio.
• Midfield: A five-man block with Saelemaekers and Bartesaghi as wing-backs, Fofana protecting the back three, with Rabiot and Modrić controlling the centre.
• Attack: Leão leads the line, supported by Pulisic in a more fluid, roaming role.

What This Derby Means for Milan

1. Momentum: A win would catapult Milan closer to the summit and better establish their credentials in this title chase.
2. Psychology: Beating Inter, especially in an 'away from home' environment (support numbers / atmosphere), can reinforce belief in this squad — particularly given the doubts around their title credentials.
3. Legacy: For Allegri, this is another test of his rebuilt Milan project. Getting a result in the Derby della Madonnina could shape the narrative of his tenure.
4. Bragging Rights: The most important factor in any derby which, for Milan, is the opportunity to paint the city Rossonero.

Prediction

It’s hard to call — Inter remain slight favourites given their form, home strength and superior squad depth. But Milan’s resilience, combined with key returns, makes this far from a foregone conclusion. If Pulisic is sharp, Leão is on fire, and the midfield holds up, Milan could absolutely turn heads.

Verdict: A tight battle — My heart says a 2–1 win for Milan, My head says a hard-fought 1–1 draw. One thing is for certain however - It's going to be pure theatre.

The Derby della Madonnina is live on TNT Sports 1 (UK) this Sunday.