Italian football is known for its fiery rivalries, which often stem from regional differences or a history of success. In some cases, rival teams even share the same stadium. Inter Milan and AC Milan are prime examples of passionate, Italian rivalries. The two clubs have been uneasy neighbors since 1947 when Inter Milan began playing their home games at the San Siro stadium. AC Milan had called the San Siro home since 1926. Due to scheduling constraints, the teams cannot play their home games in the city on the same day, but their derby matches have become iconic San Siro events. However, both teams have recently hinted at the possibility of leaving the stadium and building a new joint venue. As plans for a replacement stadium are considered, the future of the Derby della Madonnina hangs in the balance, potentially finding a new stage.
The head-to-head history between AC Milan and Inter Milan spans 235 official matches. Across all competitions, Inter currently has the upper hand with 87 wins, compared to Milan’s 79, while 69 matches have ended in a draw. Aside from their record, both teams have enjoyed periods of domestic dominance over the last century. The duo has won 19 Serie A titles each, while Inter has eight Coppa Italia trophies to Milan’s five. They have also shared an equal number of Supercoppa Italiana titles, with seven each.
In recent seasons, after a period of domination by Juventus, Milan, and Inter have managed to re-establish themselves as top contenders for the Scudetto. In 2021, Antonio Conte led Inter to their first Serie A title in over a decade, while Stefano Pioli followed up with another title for Milan in 2022.
The rivalry between Milan and Inter is widely known, as both teams have impressive records and hold many titles. But it’s surprising to note that they have only locked horns four times in the Champions League. All of these fixtures were knockout games. In the 2002/03 season, both teams progressed to the semifinals along with Juventus. Milan earned a 1-1 draw in the away leg, thanks to Andriy Shevchenko’s decisive penalty, following a goalless first leg. They won the tie on ‘away’ goals and later defeated Juventus in a lackluster final, with Shevchenko netting the winning penalty.
In 2004/05, the teams met again in the quarterfinals, with Milan emerging victorious over two controversial legs. They won the first game at home 2-0 and were leading 1-0 in the second leg before the match was abandoned due to repeated flares being thrown onto the pitch by Inter fans. Milan was later awarded a 3-0 victory by UEFA.
Football fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated showdown between these two Italian teams on May 10th and May 16th. As the stakes couldn’t be any higher, with a covered place in the finals hanging in the balance, emotions are sure to run high on the pitch and in the stands. Who will you be rooting for?
Resources:
The Sporting News… AC Milan vs Inter Milan history head to head: Record across all competitions in Derby della Madonnina
