As the highly anticipated Milan derby approaches, AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao faces several selection challenges. The recent acquisition of Kyle Walker to address the team’s right-back issues presents an intriguing option, but it’s uncertain whether the English defender will be immediately thrown into such a high-stakes match.
Conceicao’s decision is further complicated by Emerson Royal’s injury and a public disagreement between club captain Davide Calabria and the coach last weekend. Fikayo Tomori filled the right-back role in the midweek fixture, adding another possibility to the mix.
The Rossoneri’s lineup concerns extend beyond the defensive line. Key midfielder Youssouf Fofana is suspended for the match, while rumors swirl about Alvaro Morata’s potential departure. Additionally, Milan will be without Malick Thiaw, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and long-term absentee Alessandro Florenzi.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, have fewer fitness concerns. Former Milan player Hakan Calhanoglu is dealing with a calf issue, and experienced defender Francesco Acerbi has a hamstring problem. However, only Joaquin Correa is definitively ruled out for the Nerazzurri.
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi is likely to maintain a similar lineup to the one fielded in their midweek match. The formidable attacking duo of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram is expected to lead the line. Martinez, nicknamed ‘El Toro’, is on the verge of a significant milestone – one more goal would mark his sixth Serie A season with double-digit scoring and make him only the third Inter player to net 10 times against Milan across all competitions.
Adding to Inter’s offensive threat, wing-back Denzel Dumfries enters the derby in fine form, having scored in each of his last three league appearances. His contributions from the right flank could prove crucial in what promises to be an intense and closely contested Milan derby.
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Walker, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Bennacer, Musah; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Abraham
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
