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AC Milan vs Inter Milan Preview: Lineups, Predictions, and Betting Tips for the Derby

Odds provided by bet365 at the time of writing may change.

  • First half 1x2: Draw @ 11/8 with bet365
  • Full-time 1x2: AC Milan @ 7/4 with bet365
  • First half both teams to score (BTTS): Yes @ 11/5 with bet365

Expect a Level First Half

Both teams still rotate their squads, so defensive solidity might not be at its peak early on. Last Serie A season, AC Milan and Inter Milan each conceded just 35 goals in 38 matches. Yet, during the first halves, Milan rarely led, being behind or tied in 74% of games. Inter had the lowest first-half goal count in the league, with nearly a quarter of their matches goalless at halftime and no lead in 45% of fixtures.

The preseason has reflected that pattern as well. Inter was level after 45 minutes in friendlies against Karlsruhe and Manchester City. Milan started with a halftime deficit in their preseason opener before rallying back in the second half. In recent meetings, two of the last four derbies were tied at halftime. We expect a similar scenario when they meet in Perth.

Betting Tip 1:

First half 1x2 - Draw @ 11/8

Milan May Edge It Despite Inter’s Recent Success

Although Inter are often seen as favourites given their Scudetto win last season, they've struggled to beat AC Milan lately. The Rossoneri managed to win both league meetings 1-0 last season. Inter's last derby win was back in April 2024, marking a seven-match drought against their city rivals.

Still, coach Ruben Amorim's squad holds confidence, having won five of the previous seven head-to-head clashes. Both sides remain unbeaten this preseason, making the match wide open. On neutral ground and with some key Inter players missing, backing the Rossoneri looks tempting.

Betting Tip 2:

Full-time 1x2 - AC Milan @ 7/4

Goals Likely Early On

The first half might be level but unlikely to be scoreless. Inter scored 89 times last Serie A season, showing potent attack. AC Milan ranked sixth with 53 goals, so both teams can find the net.

Both clubs often see goals in the first half; 21% of Milan's league games had goals from both sides at halftime, placing them third in Serie A. Inter led this stat, with 24% of matches featuring both teams scoring early.

In total, nearly half of their league games featured goals for both teams. Plus, Inter scored or conceded within the opening 15 minutes in 14 of their 38 matches, one of the highest tallies in the league.

Betting Tip 3:

First half BTTS - Yes @ 11/5

Form and Predictions

This edition of the Derby di Milano unfolds in Australia, where these Italian giants collide once more. AC Milan have ushered in a new era under Ruben Amorim following Massimiliano Allegri’s departure after missing Champions League qualification last season.

Amorim’s squad has begun preseason, though many regular starters have yet to rejoin. Key players like Rafael Leao and Luka Modric traveled to Perth but may see limited action here. Similarly, Inter are slowly reintegrating their first-team stars under Christian Chivu as they aim to defend their domestic double.

Inter started well in preseason with victories over Karlsruhe and Manchester City, drawing 1-1 against City before winning on penalties. They will want a strong showing ahead of their upcoming clash with Juventus.

  • Score prediction: AC Milan 3-2 Inter Milan
  • Expected scorers for AC Milan: Francesco Camarda (2), Ruben Loftus-Cheek
  • Expected scorers for Inter Milan: Francesco Esposito, Andy Diouf

Likely Starting Lineups

  • AC Milan: Torriani, Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Athekame, Ricci, Comotto, Bartesaghi, Loftus-Cheek, Ossola, Camarda
  • Inter Milan: Martinez, Pavard, Bisseck, Bastoni, Diouf, Barella, Stankovic, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Esposito, Iddrissou

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