The coming week is *that* week, the one that leads to the Derby della Madonnina. Sunday, 23 November 2025, 20:45, San Siro, Inter vs Milan. First against third, two points between them. Both clubs changed coach in the summer. Inter kept the core that Simone Inzaghi built over the years, Milan flipped its entire structure.
A sporting director and a coach who, only a year ago, when the post-Pioli choice was on the table, seemed unthinkable for the club’s top management. After an eighth-place finish and a season on the edge of embarrassing, even those untouchable ideas collapsed. With Max Allegri in charge, and with players who follow him without hesitation, unlike what happened with Fonseca and Conceição, Milan has regained football dignity.
How do Inter and Milan approach the derby?
Inter sit first, level with Roma, leading the league despite losses to Udinese, Juventus and Napoli. Milan are still close behind despite missteps against Cremonese, Pisa and Parma. Inter struggled in the two big matches played so far. Milan went straight for them. Chivu’s team destroys the so-called smaller sides. Allegri’s team sometimes approach them with a distracted mindset. Inter have had an excellent Champions League run with four wins in four matches, eleven goals scored and one conceded. Milan are not taking part in European competitions this season.
Injuries, who is worse off?
Dumfries and Calhanoglu left their national teams with “diplomatic” injuries, they will be at Appiano Gentile to use the full week before the derby. Milan hope to have Rabiot back in group training on Tuesday when the squad meet again at Milanello. Jashari, who played 90 minutes in a friendly loss to Entella, is starting to regain rhythm after the serious injury in late August. Pulisic and Estupiñan are also back, both recovered from their issues during the last international break. If the next two days go well, this is the schedule for the Milan players still away with their national teams. By Thursday, the staff expect to have the full squad available.
On Tuesday, Gabbia, Ricci, Maignan, Nkunku, Leao and Pavlovic are expected back. On Wednesday, Modric and Odogu will return to training. On Thursday, the last ones arrive, Bartesaghi, Saelemaekers, De Winter and Athekame. Santi Gimenez is still out with an ankle problem, during the week it will be clearer whether he will be part of the match, as per Milan News.
How will Allegri approach the derby? Last season, after a couple of nightmare years, Milan regained control of the city rivalry. Fonseca started a strong run with a very offensive 4-2-3-1 with Pulisic, Morata, Abraham and Leao all starting. This attacking line pressing Inter’s build-up was the key behind three derby wins, Serie A, Supercoppa final, Coppa Italia semifinal, and two draws. Will Allegri stay with the 3-5-2 or bring something unexpected?
