Milan vs Inter Prediction: Can the Rossoneri cause problems for their neighbours?

Milan and Inter will meet in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. For the Rossoneri, it will be their second clash against the top-seeded Serie A side in the current play-offs of the most prestigious club competition. Stefano Pioli's side were the stronger of Italian champions Napoli in the quarter-finals. Can the Rossoneri cause problems for their neighbours?

In the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, AC Milan faced eventual champions Napoli. In their first meeting at home, they beat Napoli thanks to a goal from Bennacer. In Napoli, the teams scored a goal each. Milan beat Lecce and Lazio 2:0, then drew 1:1 with Cremonese and Roma in the Italian Premiership after their return leg against Napoli. The 2021-22 Italian champions are in fifth place in the standings.

The team plays two games against Benfica Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The Nerazzurri made the difference in the first away game and scored two unanswered goals. In Italy, the teams were more productive, scoring six goals and drawing 3:3. After the return leg against Benfica, Inter secured a minimal advantage over Juventus to reach the Italian Cup final and four Serie A points without conceding a point. They are currently sitting in fourth place in the standings.

The last time football fans saw the Milan derby was in the 2005 UEFA Champions League play-offs: the Rossoneri were the ones who qualified. A repeat performance would not be easy for AC Milan, as Inzaghi's side looks potent in the season's crucial stretch. In the last three meetings in the Italian championship, Inter scored 11 goals and conceded 1. This indicates the significant progress of Inzaghi's players, who have much to show their opponents.

We expect a lot of fighting in the first semi-final clash of the Champions League. It is unlikely that the teams will open up many areas in defense and go into the attacking phase with great effort. We do not rule out a draw in the first leg in Milan.

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