The two Italian giants have been struggling a lot in the last few years. It used to be an iconic derby once, where two of the best teams in the world competed. But recently, it has become a match between two mid-table teams boasting mediocre players. Although AC Milan have made a good start to the season, it would be interesting to see if they can keep up with quality of Juventus, Roma and Napoli.

The derby has a huge history. It has given football fans some of the most brutal and competitive matches ever seen. It would be a fascinating sight if these two big guns give us an enthralling contest this weekend.

History of the derby

The Derby di Milano, is also called the Derby della Madonnina. It’s named after the statue of virgin Mary on the top of the Duomo, which is usually called “Madonnina”. Inter Milan was formed after a split in the top hierarchy of Milan Cricket and Football Club, now known as AC Milan.

Inter Milan were nicknamed bauscia (“braggart” in Milanese dilect). They represented the rich and well-off population of Milan. On the other hand, AC Milan were nicknamed casciavit (“screwdriver” in Milanese dilect). They represented the working class population. Although this is no longer the case in the modern times.

Inter Milan was hugely successful in the 1960s. They won the European Cup and the Intercontinental Cup twice in a row. AC Milan dominated the 1980s and 1990s winning numerous trophies domestically and in Europe. The 2000s saw the rivalry going to another level. Milan dominated the European competitions whereas Inter won the Scudetti on more occasions.

Mediocrity in the recent times

The quality of both the teams have gone down massively. AC Milan had arguably the best team on the planet around 2006. With Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Nesta and Paulo Maldini to name a few, they were the undisputed kings of Europe.

AC Milan failed to replace their aging players at the right time. This coupled with financial problems lead to them losing their best player, Kaka to Real Madrid. They recovered to regain the Scudetti with a squad boasting Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Alexandre Pato. But the success didn’t last long. Ongoing financial problems forced them to sell Ibrahimovic and Silva to PSG. They have never been the same again.

Inter won the treble under Jose Mourinho in 2009. He left an aging squad at Rafa Benitez’s disposal. The core of that squad consisting of the likes of Maicon, Zanetti, Lucio, Eto’o, Sneijder, Milito and Cambiasso was deemed too old by Benitez. His fault was that he tried to change too much too soon.

A bunch of horrible appointments such as Gasperini and Strammacioni followed Benitez. They let go of their budding new talents like Philippe Coutinho, Mateo Kovacic and Mario Balotelli. They should have retained them during the key phase of their development. Massimo Moratti and the management are to be blamed for their impatience and improper planning of the squad.

Importance of the derby this weekend

Inter invested very heavily in players this summer. They roped in Brazilian sensation Gabriel Barbosa and Portugal’s Joao Mario. It’s a bit of a surprise that they are languishing in mid-table currently. Mauro Icardi has been in sensational form this season. He has scored 11 goals in 16 games.

A mediocre start to the season must have left the Inter fans disappointed. They would want to get back in form as key part of the season approaches close. There is no better opportunity to show your intent than against your city rivals.

AC Milan are doing quite well for themselves. With more cash flowing into the club after the sale they would want to get back the good times. But first they would need to overcome a tough challenge from their city rivals. Carlos Bacca and Gianluigi Donnarumma have been the standout players for the Rossoneri. Their defenders have looked solid so far this season.

The Nerazzurri would want to win the bragging rights this weekend by putting in a performance to be remembered. Disrupting Milan’s resurgence and improving their own form would give the supporters immense satisfaction. Whereas AC Milan would want to continue their fine start to the season and carry on with the momentum.

Predicted line-ups and score

AC Milan: Donnarumma; Abate, Paletta, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; Kucka, Locatelli, Bonaventura; Suso, Bacca, Niang;

Inter Milan: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Ranocchia, Santon; Candreva, Mario, Brozovic; Banega, Icardi, Perisic;

Final score prediction: AC Milan 3 – 1 Inter Milan