Milan’s two biggest football clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan, will face off in the Champions League semi-finals, marking the first time they have done so in 20 years. The eagerly awaited derby will take place at San Siro after both teams ousted their respective rivals Napoli and Benfica in the quarter-finals.
On the domestic front, Inter Milan currently sit in fourth place of the league with 63 points, two ahead of their arch-rivals, AC Milan. The last time the two sides met in the competition was in the 2005 quarter-final, which was marred by Inter fans’ unruly behavior, leading to the match’s abandonment.
Both teams will be hoping to put that infamous history behind them as they rekindle their rivalry on the European stage. AC Milan is facing a significant conundrum ahead of Tuesday’s tie, with the fitness of forward Rafael Leao in doubt. Stefano Pioli, AC Milan’s manager, has yet to decide on Leao’s participation in the crucial match after the Portuguese winger suffered a muscle injury during the Lazio match.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, has emphasized the game’s importance, describing it as the biggest match between the two sides in about 20 years. “It’s not a derby, it’s the derby,” he told reporters. “We know what it means for us, the club, our fans and myself. But I’m feeling calm because I’ve seen that the boys are very concentrated,” he added.
Inzaghi highlighted the need for his team to be both clever and show heart to win the tie over 180 minutes. Full-back Robin Gosens is a doubt for Inter Milan after being sidelined with a dislocated shoulder. However, he has confirmed on his Instagram account that he is fit and ready for the crucial match on Wednesday.
Both AC Milan and Inter Milan have 10 UEFA Champions League titles between them, adding to the already intense excitement and anticipation surrounding this derby match.
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