IT'S derby day in the fashion capital of the world but the two teams set for action in the San Siro will be walking tightropes rather than catwalks this evening.
Reigning European and Italian champions Inter have struggled since Jose Mourinho left and Rafa Benitez took charge. I know. You're probably just as shocked as I am…
While that might have been fairly predictable fare, it's still a little surprising to see the Nerazzurri slip so often. The inconsistency in both performance and results with the same group of players who looked imperishable last term, sums up why coaches are so important.
Inter have lost just six goals in the league – the best in Serie A – but find themselves in fourth spot with 20 points from a possible 33. There's no escaping the fact that they've been poor – dull draws with Brescia and Lecce in their last two games coupled with a 3-1 thumping by Spurs in the Champions League have ensured a horrid last four weeks for Rafa's men.
Diego Milito has struggled with knocks and niggles and has yet to really get going. He's another who must be running off fumes after an exhausting 12 months that also saw a prolonged run-out in South Africa. It's partly the reason Inter are struggling to find the net – just 13 times in 11 games – but thankfully Samuel Eto'o (11-8, bet365, anytime scorer) has been playing Superman.
They need to win today and that might be all the reason they need to do it.
Milan, on the other hand, are slowly coming together. They've notched up six wins from their last seven league games and you can see a bit more shape and understanding among the likes of Robinho (7-2, Skybet, anytime scorer), Ronaldinho (9-2, bet365), Pato and Ibrahimovic.
I realise every time we mention AC Milan those four names are fired out almost automatically but they play such a crucial role in deciding he Rossoneri's fate. It's been a huge investment for the club, a massive gamble, but boss Massimiliano Allegri is just about holding it together. It's also a big day for Ibrahimovic, returning to the club where he was regarded as hero, an icon. The club where he played his best football. Will he rise up to the occasion? Best odds on him scoring anytime can be found at Stan James, 9-4.
They still look shaky at back, both sides do, so I reckon we're in for goals. I'd take both teams to score today at . Milan have notched 20 goals in Serie A, if you're looking for a comparison. Inter are likely to start with a three-pronged attack with Goran Pandev (3-1, bet365), Wesley Sneijder (11-4, bet365) and Eto’o all going forward. While Pato, Filippo Inzaghi, Massimo Oddo and Daniele Bonera are all out for Milan. There's a chance Ronaldinho could drop to the bench, so be careful if you're looking at first-goal scorer odds.
Milan are 2-1 with Stan James to win while Inter are best 13-8 with Betfred.
