AC Milan v Inter Milan: Rossoneri face derby test as seven-point gap opens

AC Milan must close the seven-point gap to Serie A leaders Inter Milan when the two sides meet in the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday, 31 October 2026.

The Rossoneri’s preparations have been damaged by successive defeats. They lost to Bournemouth last week before being beaten 4-2 at home by Bologna on Wednesday, while Inter maintained top spot with a hard-fought win at Venezia, secured by two late own goals.

AC Milan have transformed their recent derby record, remaining unbeaten in the past seven meetings and winning five of them, including two 1-0 league victories last season. However, those successes were followed by a collapse which allowed Inter to win the title.

Six defeats in the final 10 league matches of that campaign also cost Milan Champions League qualification and led to a swift change in the club’s leadership. Ruben Amorim was appointed to rebuild the team, but his side have collected only three points from three Europa League matches and sit fifth in Serie A.

Their unbeaten league start ended against Bologna in chaotic circumstances at San Siro. Milan fell behind after eight minutes, then moved ahead through two goals from teenage prospect Alphadjo Cisse, before conceding four second-half goals. It was the first time in nearly four years that they had allowed four league goals at home.

Bologna forward Samuel Mbangula scored a hat-trick and became only the second player to achieve that feat away to the Rossoneri in Serie A, after Gabriel “Batigol” Batistuta in 1998.

Inter maintain their momentum

Inter, meanwhile, have continued the form that brought them both major domestic trophies last season. After losing the November derby, when former Milan player Hakan Calhanoglu saw his penalty saved by Mike Maignan, they went 15 Serie A matches unbeaten.

Cristian Chivu’s side won their 10th Coppa Italia and 21st Scudetto in his first season in charge. They have also come from behind five times in eight league games, including Sunday’s dramatic victory against Fiorentina, when two late goals completed the comeback.

Lazio briefly moved into first place, level with Inter on points and behind only on goals scored, but the champions returned to the summit by beating Venezia at the Stadio Penzo. Marcus Thuram and Ange Bonny missed chances in an unconvincing display, but two late own goals secured victory.

Inter have dropped only two points and their 25-point haul is their best after this number of Serie A matches in any season during the 21st century.

Luka Modric, 41, and Christian Pulisic were rested by Amorim in midweek and are expected to return. Fikayo Tomori may miss out after being injured against Bologna. Samuel Chukwueze, Mattia Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Ruben Loftus-Cheek remain unavailable, while Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira and Mario Gila return to the squad.

It is unclear whether Cisse and Pulisic will support out-of-form striker Goncalo Ramos. Cisse, a reported candidate for his first Italy call-up, has already scored a perfect hat-trick in the Europa League this season and found the net with both feet against Bologna.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez remains out with a flexor problem. Two of Thuram, Bonny and Pio Esposito are expected to start. Luis Henrique, Benjamin Pavard, John Stones and Curtis Jones are also unavailable. Carlos Augusto, who has six goal contributions this season, should retain his place, while Josep Martinez could replace Ivan Provedel. Calhanoglu may return in midfield after Aleksandar Stankovic made his first Serie A start, with his brother Filip in goal for Venezia and their father, Inter great Dejan, watching from the stands.

Likely line-ups

AC Milan: Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic, Estupinan; Moreira, Modric, Musah, Cisse; Pulisic, Ramos.

Inter Milan: J. Martinez; Akanji, Bastoni, Augusto; Diouf, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito.

The teams drew 1-1 at Perth’s Optus Stadium in pre-season after taking the Derby della Madonnina to Australia. With injuries affecting both squads and fatigue a concern during a congested schedule, another draw is considered possible.

Betting tips: draw, 3.58; Marcus Thuram to score, 1.90; Goncalo Ramos to be decisive, 2.45.

AC Milan Serie A form: NVNVVD. AC Milan all competitions: NVVDVD. Inter Milan Serie A form: VNVVVV. Inter Milan all competitions: VDVVVV.