Derby della Madonnina: Milan vs Inter in Champions League Semi-Final First Leg

The two clubs prepare for the famed Derby della Madonnina as the first leg of the Champions League semi-final unfolds with real drama and history on display.

The second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals arrives with immense anticipation as two of Europe’s most storied rivals, AC Milan and Inter Milan, collide in a clash that defines Milan’s football identity. Both teams share a city, a stadium, and a long tradition of fierce competition, turning this match into one of the sport’s ultimate derbies.

Live updates and full coverage of Milan versus Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals can be followed here as the action unfolds.

Milan’s path, and the lingering doubt over Rafael Leão

AC Milan, led by Stefano Pioli, plays with a strong local instinct and commands San Siro as its fortress this week, reinforcing Milan’s return to Europe’s elite after a period away. The roster mixes exceptional talent like Sandro Tonali, Rafael Leão, Brahim Díaz, Ismaël Bennacer, Junior Messias, and Theo Hernández with the steady reliability of veterans such as Simon Kjær, Rade Krunić, Fikayo Tomori, and captain Davide Calabria. The attacking threat is spearheaded by Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimović, while goalkeeper Mike Maignan produces incredible saves to shore up the defense. Together, these elements underscore Milan’s ambition to reclaim their historic standing in the Champions League.

However, there is a significant hurdle. Rafael Leão, Milan’s standout winger, picked up an injury in the league match against Lazio, leaving his involvement in doubt. If Leão cannot start, Junior Messias looms as the trusted starter on the flank, with Pioli likely to rely on a familiar, high-quality XI to maintain Milan’s attacking rhythm. In general, Milan is expected to field a familiar lineup that mirrors their recent configuration, aiming to translate domestic form into continental success.

Fans are invited to engage with the action through fantasy competition formats that promise exciting prizes and a chance to prove tactical insight and player knowledge on match day.

Inter, facing injuries and strategic choices

Inter Milan, coached by Simone Inzaghi, arrives at the semi-final with a number of injury concerns. Key defender Milan Škriniar remains unavailable due to a back injury, while Dutch midfielder Robin Gosens and Brazilian winger Dalbert Henrique add to the list of sidelined players. This situation tests Inzaghi’s depth and tactical flexibility as the squad intends to compete at the highest level of European football.

In defense, veteran Matteo Darmian is expected to step in to maintain balance alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi, with André Onana in goal continuing his reliable presence. The usual 3-5-2 formation provides width and control, with Dumfries and Dimarco delivering width on the flanks while Marcelo Brozović anchors the middle, flanked by Nicolo Barella and a combination of Mkhitaryan or Hakanç Calhanoglu to spark creativity in midfield. The attack centers on the clinical pairing of Lautaro Martínez and Edin Džeko, whose movement and goal threat could decide the tie. The question remains whether Inzaghi trusts Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the middle or opts for the creativity of Hakan Çalhanoğlu to complement Brozović and Barella in midfield. This strategic choice will shape Inter’s approach—whether to press with intensity or to build patiently from the back and exploit space in behind Milan’s press.

LINE-UPS AND FORMATIONS FOR MILAN VS. INTER MILAN

AC Milan (1-4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Theo Hernández; Krunić, Tonali; Brahim Díaz, Bennacer, Junior Messias/Rafael Leão; Giroud

Internazionale (1-3-5-2): Onana; Darmian, Bastoni, Acerbi; Dumfries, Barella, Brozović, Mkhitaryan/Çalhanoğlu, Dimarco; Lautaro Martínez and Džeko

WHEN AND WHERE IS MILAN VS INTER MILAN

THE MEETING OF MILAN AND INTER MILAN

At this stage, both squads are keeping their selection plans close to the chest. The coaching staff will unveil the final lineups closer to kickoff, with tactical considerations likely to influence the early tempo and pressing strategy on both sides.

INJURIES AND SELECTIONS FOR MILAN AND INTER MILAN

MILAN

INTER MILAN

SCHEDULE AND HOW TO WATCH MILAN VS INTER LIVE

Milan’s recent results

Milan’s upcoming fixtures

Recent results for Inter Milan

Inter Milan’s upcoming matches