AC Milan vs Inter Milan prediction, odds and preview

At their joint stadium, San Siro, city rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan will square off in the first of two spectacular derbies over the course of six days.

The Calcio Titans will compete for a first-leg advantage before next week’s finale at the same historic site, with a spot in the Champions League final on the line.

A Milan derby double determines which team advances from the Champions League semifinals, showcasing this year’s Italian renaissance in Europe.

Milan’s most recent Champions League success came in 2007 when they defeated Liverpool to exact some retribution for the clubs’ epic match in Istanbul two years prior. On the way to their previous title in 2003, Milan defeated their city rivals in the round of eight.

Due to crowd disturbances, the Rossoneri finally won that match, which they had also won two years before. In that match, despite both games taking place at San Siro, the Rossoneri advanced on ‘away’ goals thanks to a 1-1 aggregate score.

That won’t be a problem this time around thanks to a subsequent regulation change, as Pioli’s team looks to overcome their previous adversaries.

The Portuguese champions were defeated in that match, and after eliminating Benfica in the quarterfinals, they went on to defeat Napoli, Milan (twice, including the Supercoppa victory in January), and now both Rome clubs after a 2-0 win over Roma last weekend.

In their four knockout-round games thus far, Inter have kept three clean sheets, matching their semi-final opponents. Former Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana has been crucial for Inter, just like Milan’s Mike Maignan was for the Rossoneri.

The three-time European champions’ previous triumph at this lofty level occurred in 2010 under Jose Mourinho. Still, Inzaghi hopes to add the ultimate trophy to the two Supercoppas and a Coppa Italia he has already won since taking over for Antonio Conte.