CorSport: 19 nations represented – Inter and Milan gear up for ‘intercontinental derby’

The days of the Milan derby being dominated by Italians is long gone, and on Sunday another global clash awaits. 

As Corriere dello Sport writes, there will be 19 nations represented on Sunday night, spread across three continents. Asia and Africa are the only ones missing after Taremi, Chukwueze and Bennacer left in the summer, but Inter-Milan will be an ‘intercontinental derby’.

The two teams have explored the markets of 12 different countries each to build their respective squads. There are still more Italians than any other nationality, but adding the two squads together for a total of 47 players, the number of Azzurri players stands at just 13. That’s not even one-third: it is below 28%.

Clearly, it’s a sign of the times. Inter, however, have eight Italians compared to five at Milan, while three (Bastoni, Dimarco and Barella) will be among the starters on Sunday evening. Massimiliano Allegri, by contrast, should field only one (Gabbia).

Photos: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

A liking for France

Inter and Milan also share a favourite hunting ground outside of Italy. France is the second-most represented nation in the Milan derby. The total number of French players reaches seven, with Allegri having a slight advantage, with four available to Chivu’s three.

Rounding out the podium, Switzerland, surprisingly, come in third, with their representation under the Duomo growing to four players this year, evenly distributed. The Nerazzurri players, however, namely Sommer and the new arrival Akanji, are veterans and cornerstones of the starting lineup.

The Rossoneri players (Okafor was sold last summer) – Jashari and Athekame – are promising youngsters without many minutes. That being said, the former – who is back from a long injury – cost over €30m this summer.

The differences

The two teams share the same nationalities: Croatia (Sucic on one side and Modric on the other) and Germany (Bisseck and Odogu) respectively. For the rest, the ‘fishing’ was done in different seas or rivers.

At Inter, for example, Argentinians are traditionally favoured, like with Lautaro and Palacios. Brazilians are also represented though Carlos Augusto and Luis Henrique pairing. The Dutch duo of Dumfries and De Vrij are both not expected to start.

Milan, on the other hand, have focused on England, signing Tomori and then Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea, but a year ago they also had Abraham and Walker. They also have faith in the Belgian school, led by Saelemaekers, with De Winter in tow.

Unlike Inter, the Diavolo have gone beyond South America (Estupinan) by including North America. They’ve found a true all-rounder in Pulisic, and Gimenez is in the squad too but should miss the derby due to injury.