City rivals, Milan and Internazionale, compete in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semifinals tie this Tuesday. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
Giroud's late brace was all the Rossonerri needed to secure all three points in last month's version of the Derby della Madonnina- Milan's first victory against their fierce rivals after three trials.
Race for the Scudretto put on hold
Indeed, the race for the Serie A crown isn't the centrepiece of action this Tuesday as Milan bid to secure a first-leg advantage so as to keep their dreams of lifting the Italian domestic cup for the sixth time. They were utterly dominant in their quarterfinals tie at home against Lazio, putting four unanswered goals past the Biancocelesti to book a date with their local rivals. Although they followed that up with a narrow victory against Sampdoria, they haven't been able to pick up all three points since then with the side being held by Salernitana and, of recent, Udinese. The second-placed side would now put all of them behind them as they prepare for the 26th Milan Derby in Coppa Italia history.
Internazionale emerged victorious when both sides were pitted against each other in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals last season. This didn't mean a lot in the grand scheme of things as they went on to lose in the semifinals to Juventus, thus, their eighth Coppa Italia crown still eludes them. Simone Inzaghi's troops' 2-0 triumph against Roma in the quarterfinals booked them a spot in the semifinals once again, however, it is to be noted that they don't head into this matchup on their best form. The domestic cup triumph would be their only victory in six games across all competitions, a dismal run which has not only caused them top spot in the Serie A, they're also faced with a mountain to climb in their bid for Champions League glory. Would we see an ample response from the Italian champions this Tuesday ?
Milan vs Inter Team News
Milan possible starting XI:
Maignan; Calabria, Romagnoli, Tomori, Hernandez; Krunic, Bennacer; Messias, Kessie, Rebic; Leao
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Gosens; Martinez, Dzeko
Milan vs Inter Prediction: 1-1
Although we're expecting a tight and tense affair at the San Siro this Tuesday, both sides haven't been at their best of late. As such, we envisage the game still being perfectly poised at the end of the first leg.