AC MILAN v INTER, SUPERCOPPA ITALIANA: MATCH PREVIEW

In Riyadh - kick-off at 20.00 CET - AC Milan are preparing to face Inter in the second derby of this year after the 3-2 win at the beginning of September. The stakes are high because, in addition to the usual prestige, this time there's a cup up for grabs. The final of the Supercoppa Italiana 2022 is in fact the first trophy of the season on offer, and the Rossoneri, who arrived in the Arab capital on the night of Sunday 15 January, will want to redeem their recent lacklustre outings by treating their fans to an evening of celebration. Let's get closer to kick-off at the King Fahd Stadium with our Match Preview.

LATEST FROM MILANELLO
AC Milan will want a change of pace after their recent lacklustre performances in Serie A and the Coppa Italia. To do so, Coach Pioli should rely on the classic 4-2-3-1 led by derby star Giroud in the centre of attack. Since the last league game, the Rossoneri now welcome back Rebić and Tonali to the squad, the latter returning from suspension. The Italian midfielder is expected to take Pobega's place the starting 11, while in the backline it's between Kalulu and Kjær to vye for a place alongside Tomori. Few changes are expected in the other positions: Saelemaekers is ahead of Messias for a place on the right wing, with Brahim and Leão occupying the other two positions in attack.

"It is an important match with a trophy at stake," said Coach Stefano Pioli on the eve of the match. "Games against Inter in recent seasons have always been intense and energetic. They are a strong opponent that has always caused problems for us, even in the matches we have won. We will have to put in the best performance possible." Captain Davide Calabria added: "Playing a final as captain is a great thing, but winning it is another thing, we have to give everything to win this match."

LATEST FROM INTER
Inzaghi's Nerazzurri have picked up three wins and a draw - in all competitions - in this start to the year and, in their last game, they narrowly beat Hellas Verona at San Siro. In front of Onana, Inter's 3-5-2 should once again feature Acerbi in the centre of defence, while Darmian - in a duel with Dumfries - and Dimarco are favourites to start as full-backs. Gosens should return too. Also in the squad for the Riyadh final are Romelu Lukaku and Marcelo Brozović, whose presences remain in doubt. Mkhitaryan is most likely to replace the Croatian in the midfield trio, which also includes Barella, while the attacking pair should be formed by Džeko and Lautaro Martínez.

"We know the importance of the match, it's a derby and a final so it has an even greater importance" - the words of Simone Inzaghi in the press conference. "It's the first trophy of the season and we want to play a great match, AC Milan have great quality, they are a developed side who are doing well in the league. Finals are individual games in themselves, we will have to play it in the best possible way, not making mistakes, playing with pace, determination, concentration and intensity".

LATEST FROM SUPERCOPPA ITALIANA
Fabio Maresca will referee the match at the King Fahd Stadium. The 41-year-old from Naples will referee his first Supercoppa Italiana final. The match in Riyadh will be his thirteenth officiating AC Milan, the last one dating back to the away match in Bergamo on 21 August 2022, which ended 1-1. Completing the refereeing team will be assistants Alassio and Baccini, with Chiffi as fourth official. Di Paolo will be on VAR, assisted by Abisso.

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