AC Milan host city rivals Inter at San Siro on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg. After failing to beat their rivals in three attempts this season, Inter will be keen to end that streak in what promises to be another closely fought, high-scoring encounter that may not be decided until the second leg.
AC Milan come into this derby game after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Napoli, continuing a rough patch that has seen them drop crucial points in the race for European qualification. Sergio Conceicao’s men overcame Roma 3-1 in the previous round.
While their attack has been consistent, scoring in each of their last eight matches, AC Milan need to tighten up at the back if they are to gain the upper hand in this tie. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions, conceding 12 goals in the same period.
Inter Milan appear to have found their form lately and are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions. Among their results in that run include a 2-0 victory over Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals and the 2-1 Serie A win over Udinese last weekend.
Like the hosts, Inter Milan have also been unconvincing at the back and are without a clean sheet in three of their last four matches. Simone Inzaghi’s side will rely on their attacking quality to take control of the first leg having scored at least two goals in each of their last five matches.
How the bookies view it: Inter Milan favourites
The bookies have installed Inter Milan as favorites with BoyleSports offering evens for an away win. A victory for AC Milan is valued at 11/5 while a draw has been set at 23/10 with BoyleSports.
Head to head: AC Milan on top this season
Inter Milan have a 34-27 with 21 draws from 82 previous matches against AC Milan. However, the Rossoneri are unbeaten in three meetings this season, winning in the league and Italian Super Cup before the 1-1 draw in February.
Players to watch: Dependable Thuram
Marcus Thuram is the leading scorer for Inter Milan with 16 goals in all competitions. With Lautaro Martinez doubtful due to injury, the forward could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 15/8 with BoyleSports.
Christian Pulisic has 15 goals in all competitions for AC Milan this season, including three in his last three. The forward has also found the net in two of the last three meetings with Inter Milan and is priced at 3/1 with BoyleSports to score anytime.
Probable line-ups
AC Milan will be without Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Emerson Royal and Malick Thiaw who are all sidelined. Yunus Musah returns from suspension while Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao and Pulisic are likely to start.
Inter Milan will miss Kristjan Asllani due to suspension, while Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski are out injured. Marko Arnautovic should partner Thuram after netting the opener against Udinese over the weekend.
AC Milan: Maignan, Walker, Pavlovic, Gabbia, Hernandez, Fofana, Musah, Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao, Abraham.
Inter Milan: Sommer, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Zalewski, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Thuram, Arnautovic
Anything else catch the eye?
AC Milan’s last six matches have produced over 2.5 goals and with four of the last six meetings with Inter Milan offering a similar outcome, a repeat is priced at 4/6 with BoyleSports. The last five meetings between both teams have witnessed goals in each half, which is valued at 4/6.
Four of AC Milan’s last five matches have produced more goals after the break and that trend can be backed to continue at 10/11 with BoyleSports.
This Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and Inter Milan will be played on and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best AC Milan vs Inter Milan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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