Defending Serie A Champions AC Milan head into the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday, against city rivals Inter, in dreadful form with just one win in their last five games.
In their last four matches in the league, Stefano Pioli's side have drawn with Roma and second-from-bottom Lecce, lost 4-0 to Lazio and 5-2 to Sassuolo.
Their league struggles were further exacerbated by a 3-0 humiliation in the Supercoppa Italiana, to their weekend opponents, before they were dumped out of the Coppa Italia by Torino.
Inter have been in good form since the resumption, with only one loss in all competitions. Simone Inzhagi’s charges good form saw them become the first team to take maximum points against run-away log leaders Napoli this season as they walked away with a 1-0 win.
The second-placed Nerazzuri will be looking to pick up another win against their struggling rivals to make up more ground on Napoli in the race to win the Scudetto. They will, however, be aware that form usually goes out the window in the Derby della Madonnina.
The wounded Rossoneri have slipped to fifth in the Serie A standings and they will be motivated to walk away with a win and the bragging rights, to get their campaign back on track.
Milan Derby Heroes
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the few players who have featured for both clubs in the Derby della Madonnina. In October 2020, the Swede scored twice for Milan to condemn his former team to a 2-1 loss.
LAUTARO MARTINEZ
Lautaro Martinez has been a source of goals for the Nerazzuri for a few seasons now but his most memorable performance in the Derby della Madonnina was in a 3-0 win for Inter in February 2021. The Argentine scored two in a dominant performance as Romelu Lukaku completed the rout.
OLIVIER GIROUD
Olivier Giroud wrote his name in the Rossoneri supporters' hearts with a fine double in a 2-1 win against Inter in February 2022. The win propelled Milan to their first Scudetto in a decade.
RAFAEL LEAO
Rafael Leao inspired Milan to a 3-2 win in September 2022 in the Derby della Madonnina. The Portuguese youngster’s double inspired optimism that Milan could defend their Serie A title.