In one of the most anticipated fixtures in Italian football, AC Milan and Inter Milan are set to clash in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final at the iconic San Siro on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CEST, and the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams as they vie for a spot in the final.
The upcoming match marks the 243rd meeting between these two historic rivals, known as the Derby della Madonnina. Inter holds the edge in their all-time record, boasting 91 victories compared to AC Milan's 81, along with 70 draws. In the context of the Coppa Italia, the two sides have faced off 27 times, with AC Milan winning 10 matches and Inter claiming 9 wins, while 8 matches ended in draws.
Inter comes into this match riding high on confidence after a solid 2-1 victory over Udinese in their last outing. The Nerazzurri have been in impressive form, having won their last five matches across all competitions, which is their best run since achieving 13 consecutive wins in March 2024. Their defensive prowess has been a standout feature, with Inter keeping the most clean sheets (24) in this season’s Top 5 European leagues.
Simone Inzaghi's men have also been effective in attack, with Marcus Thuram leading the charge. The French forward has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season, equalling his career-best tally in a single season from his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Thuram has also found the net twice in four derbies against AC Milan, making him a key player to watch in this match.
On the other hand, AC Milan's season has been tumultuous, currently languishing in ninth place in Serie A, 20 points behind their city rivals. Despite lifting the Supercoppa Italiana title in January, the Rossoneri have struggled to maintain consistency. Head coach Sergio Conceicao acknowledged the challenges his team has faced, stating, "Milan aren't used to this ranking, but there are still a lot of games to go. We need to improve, but it's not easy for everyone."
Milan's path to the semi-finals has been impressive, with a 6-1 thrashing of Sassuolo followed by a convincing 3-1 win over Roma. However, their recent form has been less than stellar, having lost to Napoli in their last match. Conceicao's side will be looking to reignite their season with a strong performance against Inter, knowing that a win could provide a significant morale boost.
In terms of team news, AC Milan will be without Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis, and Emerson Royal remains sidelined with injury. However, they welcome back Yunus Musah from suspension, adding depth to their squad. Conceicao is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal and a frontline featuring Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao, and Tammy Abraham.
For Inter, they will be missing the suspended Kristjan Asllani, while Denzel Dumfries, Piotr Zielinski, and Lautaro Martinez are all unavailable due to injuries. Despite these absences, Inzaghi's side remains formidable, with a strong lineup expected to take the field, including goalkeeper Yann Sommer and defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi.
This match is particularly significant as it represents the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with Milan having previously won two and drawn one of their encounters. The Rossoneri's recent successes against Inter, including a dramatic 3-2 victory in the Supercoppa Italiana final, will provide them with confidence heading into this crucial tie.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere at San Siro is expected to be electric, despite the disappointing attendance figures of around 65,000 fans, partly due to AC Milan's struggles this season. Nevertheless, the passion of the supporters will undoubtedly create a vibrant backdrop for this historic derby.
Referee Michael Fabbri will officiate the match, with VAR overseen by Rosario Abisso, ensuring that the game is conducted fairly as both teams aim for a place in the Coppa Italia final on the line.
With both teams having much to prove, the stage is set for an exhilarating encounter that promises to deliver all the drama and excitement that the Derby della Madonnina is known for. Who will come out on top in this latest chapter of their storied rivalry? Only time will tell as the action unfolds at San Siro.
