The UEFA Champions League (UCL) second leg semi-final match resumes as Inter Milan host AC Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday (IST). The latter will need to stage a comeback if they are to make it to the final.
Managed by Stefano Pioli, AC Milan are currently fifth in the Serie A standings and have not been performing at their usual best in recent weeks. In their previous game, they suffered a surprising 2-0 loss to Spezia, and should be determined to prove themselves in the upcoming UCL match.
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Meanwhile, Inter, who currently sit in third place in the league table, have had a relatively impressive season. They secured a convincing 4-2 win against Sassuolo over the weekend and will look for a similar outcome in this Champions League fixture.
Inter Milan-AC Milan match preview
Just days after their thrilling first-leg Champions League victory in the derby, Inter Milan are focused on completing the task against their city rivals, AC Milan, as the two teams meet again at the San Siro on Tuesday.
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With Inter taking a commanding two-goal lead in the Champions League semi-final clash, the outcome of the fifth and final Derby della Madonnina of the season will determine whether it will be the Nerazzurri or the Rossoneri who advance to next month’s final.
Throughout their Champions League journey this season, Inter have shown resilience, despite 11 Serie A defeats this season. Impressively, they have not trailed at any point in the UCL knockout phase. They have kept clean sheets in four out of five games.
Now, as they attempt to reach their first European Cup or Champions League final since 2010, Inter are 90 minutes away from the final. If they win, they will face either Manchester City or defending champions Real Madrid in Istanbul.
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Taking both teams’ recent form into consideration, Inter are favoured to advance. Milan, on the other hand, have been dropping points in domestic competitions. They currently trail Inter by five points in the Serie A. Inzaghi’s men are in top form and enter the UCL second leg on an impressive seven-match winning streak.
Meanwhile, Milan have suffered three consecutive defeats against Inter without scoring a single goal. The seven-time European champions have never suffered a four-match goalless streak against their rivals. Now, they will need to end this trend if they are to overcome the UCL semis.
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In the history of the Champions League, only Liverpool has overcome a two-goal deficit in the first leg of a semi-final and advance to the next round — against Barcelona in 2019. Milan now face a similar task under Stefano Pioli’s leadership.
However, Milan’s hopes of clinching their first European title since 2007 hang by a thread as they take on their rivals.
Head-to-head
Between the two teams, Inter Milan have a better record, having won 88 out of their 236 matches. AC Milan have secured 79 victories.
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Dzeko
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Thiaw, Hernandez; Tonali, Pobega; Diaz, Krunic, Saelemaekers; Giroud
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Inter Milan-AC Milan United prediction
Considering their recent slump in form, AC Milan will be seeking a major turnaround. Rafael Leao has performed well for the Rossoneri and will need to score crucial goals on his return.
Inter, on the other hand, have been in fine form in recent weeks. The Nerazzurri are currently in better shape and have an advantage over their local rivals heading into this UCL match.
Prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 AC Milan
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Date, kick-off time, venue
The second leg Champions League semi-finals between Inter and AC Milan is scheduled to kick-off on May 16 at 8pm BST and May 17 at 12:30 am IST. The match will be played at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
