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The Derby della Madonnina will be an interesting one. It arrives just a few weeks after AC Milan and Inter bought San Siro. So, it will be a historical game.
A lot of the recent talk about Milan and Inter has been peaceful, about the two clubs working together. However, with the Derby round the corner, the tide could quickly turn, with both sides desperate for points.
If the Nerazzurri were to win, they would extend the gap to their rivals to five points. Whilst the Rossoneri could take the top spot with three points. That competitive spirit is returning, indeed.
Whilst there is time to go before the game, this morning’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) has looked at the statistics that could define the Derby.
Modric the metronome
So far, the Rossoneri lead the league for passes completed. Of the 5,468 that they have attempted, 4,834 have been successful. A precise team, where 85.6% of their passes reach their destination. However, that precision extends.
The players are more calculated, in every manner, and the role model is Luka Modric. With 762 passes this season, he has made the most passes of anyone in Serie A, maintaining a high completion rate (90.8%).
Matteo Gabbia and Samuele Ricci have excelled, too, as has the rest of the team. As has the idea to press less. A more methodical approach.
Sticking with the formula
Massimiliano Allegri is also the coach who has made the fewest changes in the league. In 11 games, he has only made 39 substitutes, averaging just more than 3.5 subs per game. Without European football, the need to rotate is far lower.
Then, the Italian trusts his starters, rarely seeing a need to make changes to the game. That is also proven in the fact that his squad is small, the depth available to him is not fantastic, and the recent injuries have not helped either. His hands, perhaps, have been slightly tied from the bench.
Low pressure
Referring to the pressing matter, again, Milan are not as aggressive as they may have been in recent years. This season, they have averaged fewer than 10 fouls per game, whilst the Nerazzurri are close to 14.5 per game.
As a result, Allegri’s team have also received the fewest number of yellow cards this season. Perhaps this could increase in the derby; we must see what Allegri will demand from his squad emotionally.
Dribble kings
One would imagine that Rafael Leao makes the most dribbles for the Rossoneri. However, this season, Alexis Saelemaekers has been the player to push the squad forward. He has made 29 successful dribbles so far, the most of anyone.
Alone, he has made more than half of the dribbles that Inter have made together (51), whilst Allegri’s men sit at 75. Inter are a more aggressive side, though, so it must be seen how they will act in this game.
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