Derby della Madonnina, or the Milan Derby as it is sometimes known, is a football match between the Italian clubs A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale Milano (Inter). It is a hotly contested local derby and is one of the most followed derbies in football world. It is usually a semiannual fixture in the Italian football league Serie A; however, the derby has also taken place in the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League.
It is called “Derby della Madonnina” in honour of one of the main sights of the city of Milan, the statue of the virgin Mary on the top of the Duomo, which is usually called “Madonnina”.
this year derby will provide very interesting game, a little review for both team:
Jose Mourinho v Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti certainly got the better of the ‘Special One’ earlier in the season, as his side were deserved 1-0 winners in late September. Mourinho, with practically a full squad at his disposal, will be confident of revenge, but really when is the Portuguese tactician lacking in confidence?
Esteban Cambiasso v Andrea Pirlo
Both players are employed in a deep midfield position, but perform very different roles for their respective teams. Cambiasso’s job is to sit in front of and protect the defence, while Pirlo’s is to dictate the offence.
Both have been in relatively good form in 2009 and will be desperate to help their sides to an historic victory. What will come out on top - Cambiasso’s effort and tenacity? Or Pirlo’s incisive passing ability?
Sulley Muntari v David Beckham
The Ghanaian and English midfielder will likely have several direct confrontations throughout the match. Beckham has been a revelation with Milan thus far, adding some much needed width and poise to the midfield. Muntari will try to make sure that ‘Golden Balls’ is closed down at every opportunity.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic v Ronaldinho
Masters with the ball at their feet, Ibra and Ronnie need to find that bit of ‘magic’ to lift their side to a derby win. The passion from the San Siro crowd will drive every player in terms of effort, but in terms of creativity these are the two who will be relied upon.
The Super Swede has had a fairly consistent and impressive season, while Ronaldinho has been out of the Rossoneri line-up for the most part in 2009. Given the opportunity, and probable absence of Kaka, the Brazilian maestro will want to prove to his doubters and to Milan that he was a gamble worth taking.
Javier Zanetti v Paolo Maldini
The two captain’s have seen their fair share of derbies over the years. They are nearing the end of their illustrious careers, especially in the case of Maldini, who will want to make his potentially last derby a memorable one. Both players are consummate professionals and will no doubt take their team by the scruff of the neck when necessary.
According to the latest reports, this is how the two teams could line-up:
Inter: Julio Cesar, Santon, Materazzi, Samuel, Maxwell, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari, Stankovic, Adriano, Ibrahimovic
Milan: Abbiati, Zambrotta, Maldini, Kaladze, Jankulovski, Pirlo. Ambrosini, Beckham, Seedorf, Ronaldinho, Pato
This derby is too interesting to be left out, so watch here!