In Milan, a freezing Sunday is expected, with temperatures well below zero. Inter and Milan will heat up San Siro in a match that matters for both fans and the league standings. For Massimiliano Allegri, it is also a symbolic opportunity to reopen a chapter that ended abruptly: his last Milan derby as Rossoneri coach dates back to December 2013, during a delicate phase of the season that preceded the Sassuolo loss and his subsequent dismissal. Allegri’s record in Milan derbies shows eight matches: three wins, one draw, and four losses.
Rafael Leao like Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
Allegri’s first Milan derby was in November 2010 and was decided by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now an important figure in a managerial role, writes Calcio Mercato. That victory, followed by a 3-0 win in the return match, pushed the Rossoneri toward the 2011 Scudetto and the Italian Super Cup in Beijing. Today, Allegri asks Leao to be like Ibrahimovic, at least for one night: a technical and charismatic leader capable of deciding the game with a single move. Rafael will have freedom to express his talent without strict tactical constraints in an attack that will leave Inter without clear markers, thanks to Pulisic, another player free to roam across the frontline in search of the right space to strike, as he did last season against Inter.
Will Davide Bartesaghi start instead of Pervis Estupinan in the derby?
The battle between Bartesaghi and Estupinan will remain undecided until a few hours before the match, with the young Italian strongly favored over the former Brighton player. Allegri favors the 2005-born player, raised in the Rossoneri youth system, trusting him more in defensive phases. The six goals conceded against Fiorentina, Pisa, Atalanta, and Parma raised alarm bells, which the coaching staff worked to address during the last week, focusing on defensive situations. Tomori will return to the starting lineup, news welcomed by Allegri, who feels safer with the English defender on the field.
Derby duel: Allegri's trusted player Adrien Rabiot against Inter star Nicolo Barella:
Another key factor for Allegri will be the midfield duel between Rabiot and Barella. The Frenchman will be tasked with reducing the time and space available to the opponent’s central midfielder and supporting Modric to escape the man-marking Inter is expected to employ, similar to tactics used by Roma and Parma. Adrien’s physicality will be crucial to close the gap with their rivals and speed up Milan’s transitions and counterattacks. Rabiot will be the pivot; the former Marseille player is improving and has a physical endurance of 60–70 minutes.
