AC MILAN v INTER: MATCH PREVIEW

AC Milan are ready to face Inter on matchday 23 in Serie A at 18:00 CET on Sunday 2 February. It's a derby that promises plenty of excitement and an important test for Coach Conceição's side, and here is our Match Preview as kick-off draws nearer:

LATEST FROM MILANELLO
AC Milan recorded a precious comeback victory over Parma last time out, displaying character and determination to run out 3-2 winners. However, the recent 2-1 Champions League defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb, which cost the Rossoneri a place in the top eight (and automatic qualification for the round of 16), highlighted some weaknesses and areas for improvement. The Rossoneri's form has been mixed, but the team are motivated and eager to make the most of any opportunity they can to climb the table. The objective is clear: to continue to fight for the top positions. Fofana is out through suspension, Gabbia and Thiaw aren't in the best shape, and Bennacer is ready to return to the starting line-up if called upon. Abraham is in contention to start, while Walker is set to be named in the squad for the first time.

"In these kinds of games, there are no favourites, and we need to give everything," said Coach Conceição on the eve of the game. "We know Inter well; they're a group that have been together for a long time, and that's an advantage for them. We'll try to counter them, aiming to exploit their weaknesses. We’re focused on delivering a great performance to win. We're far from where I want us to be and have very little time to work, but that's not an excuse. Only with maximum effort can we perform at our best and aim to win."

LATEST FROM INTER
Inter come into the match after a convincing 4-0 victory against Lecce in Serie A, which consolidated their position in the standings. The Nerazzurri continue to look solid and also have a prolific attack, as further demonstrated by their 3-0 victory over Monaco in the Champions League. Inzaghi's men are in good form and will be looking to maintain their positive run and gain revenge for their derby defeats this campaign. There are many certainties in Inzaghi's 3-5-2 formation, from Sommer between the sticks and Bastoni in the backline through to Dimarco and Dumfries out wide, Barella and Mkhitaryan in the middle and the dangerous duo of L. Martínez and Thuram up front. Acerbi, Çalhanoğlu and Pavard are well on the way to recovering from recent injuries, but Correa is out.

"We know what it represents," said Inzaghi. "It's a highly anticipated game full of dangers. AC Milan possess quality, and a great Inter performance full of aggression and determination will be needed because it's an important match for us. We know the value of the team we're facing. The first two derbies this season didn't go well for us. We'll need to be better in decisive moments. Previous encounters aren't there on the pitch, and we'll try to give our all."

PRE-MATCH NUMBERS

• AC Milan have won the last two derby meetings with Inter, first in the reverse fixture in Serie A and then in the Supercoppa Italiana. The Rossoneri could recorded a third consecutive victory over their cross-city rivals for the first time since 2011 (under Allegri). 
• There is a perfectly balanced record when it comes to the last seven encounters between the two teams in Serie A (three wins for each side and one draw).
• Sérgio Conceição, who made 41 Serie A appearances for Inter (2001-2003), could become the second AC Milan coach in the last 35 years to win his first two derby matches in charge (after Allegri, 2010-11).
• Tijjani Reijnders is the midfielder who has scored the most goals in the league this season (six). In total, he has found the net nine times for AC Milan in Serie A and could become the fifth Dutchman to reach double goalscoring digits in Serie A for the Rossoneri after van Basten (90), Seedorf (47), Gullit (38) and Rijkaard (16).

WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN v INTER ON TV
In Italy, the game will be live on DAZN and Sky. To watch it from a different country, please consult the "AC Milan on TV" page. Follow Matchday on Milan TV: live coverage will begin at 17:15 CET until shortly before kick-off, with the game being followed by interviews and Coach Conceição's press conference. Don't miss out on our coverage via acmilan.com, the AC Milan Official App (where the full deferred broadcast will be available in the coming days), our official social media channels and WhatsApp.

LATEST FROM SERIE A
The referee for the clash will be Daniele Chiffi, who hasn't taken charge of a Rossoneri match since AC Milan 0-0 Juventus in November and has already refereed one derby: AC Milan 3-2 Inter in September 2022. Chiffi will have Carbone and Peretti as his assistants, while Marinelli will perform the role of fourth official. Di Paolo, assisted by Doveri, will oversee VAR. 

Matchday 23 kicked off on Friday with Parma 1-3 Lecce. These were the results on Saturday: Monza 0-1 Hellas Verona, Udinese 3-2 Venezia, Atalanta 1-1 Torino and Bologna 2-0 Como. On Sunday, the following games will be played: Juventus v Empoli (12:30 CET), Fiorentina v Genoa (15:00 CET), AC Milan v Inter (18:00 CET) and Roma v Napoli (20:45 CET). At 20:45 CET on Monday, Cagliari v Lazio will bring the latest round of fixtures to an end. 

This is the current league table: Napoli 53; Inter 50; Atalanta* 47; Lazio 39; Juventus and Bologna 37; Fiorentina 36; AC Milan 34; Roma 30; Udinese 29; Torino* 27; Genoa 26; Hellas Verona* and Lecce* 23; Como* 22; Empoli and Cagliari 21; Parma* 20; Venezia* 16; Monza* 13.
* = one more game; Bologna, Fiorentina, Inter and Milan have one less game

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