AC vs. Inter: Fierce rivals out to assert superiority
Mancini, the former Man City boss boasts a decent record in the Milan derby, having won four of the eight meetings with three of those coming in the last four. He begins his latest reign with the Milan derby.
PHOTO BY AFP
What you need to know:
The last five Milan derbies have produced 34 yellow cards with five bookings in each of the ties
PLAYING TODAY
Atalanta vs. Roma 8PM
Lazio vs. Juventus 10.45PM
TOMORROW, NOVEMBER 23
Torino vs. Sassuolo 2.30PM
Cesena vs. Sampdoria 5PM
Hellas Verona vs. Fiorentina 5PM
Parma vs. Empoli 5PM
Napoli vs. Cagliari 5PM
Udinese vs. Chievo Verona 5PM
AC Milan vs. Inter 10.45PM
MILAN
AC Milan face rivals Inter Milan in the first local derby of the season tomorrow as both sides aim to get their stuttering campaign back on track.
The Rossoneri began the term on a positive note, claiming maximum points from their first two Serie A outings. However, since then, Filippo Inzaghi’s men picked up only two more wins from nine matches with the side now languishing in 7th.
Across town, Inter haven’t fared much better either as they sit two places below Milan in the league. A run of three defeats coupled with average performances in their last seven games saw Walter Mazzarri sacked by the club last week.
The Nerrazurri then turned to fan favourite Roberto Mancini, who guided Inter to three league titles and two Coppa Italias in his first spell in charge, to replace the 53-year-old in hope to achieve their target of finishing in the top three.
With plenty at stake this weekend, do not expect anything less than two sides being fully committed in their cause to come out on top.
Keisuke Honda could provide the inspiration. The Japanese international is enjoying a fine season with six goals and three assists to his name already, making him the top scorer in the side and third overall in Serie A.
His creativity and eye for goal will be crucial against Inter, who is bound to be organized and miserly under the defensive-minded Mancini.
