AC Milan vs. Inter Milan Tips & Odds – 02/04/2025

• Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
• Fixture: AC Milan vs. Inter Milan (Coppa Italia Semi-Final, First Leg)
• Venue: San Siro, Milan
• Kick-off Time: 21:00 GMT

Match Preview

The Derby della Madonnina is back, and this time the stakes couldn’t be higher as AC Milan and Inter Milan lock horns in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals. The San Siro will once again host one of football’s most passionate rivalries, with both teams vying for a chance to move closer to silverware in what has been an intriguing season for both sides.

Form Guide and Recent Performances

• AC Milan: The Rossoneri have had a rollercoaster campaign under new coach Sergio Conceição. Their recent 2-1 victory over Como in Serie A showcased their fighting spirit as they came from behind to secure three points. However, inconsistency has plagued their season, with only two wins in their last five league matches. Defensive lapses have been a recurring issue, but their attacking talent has often bailed them out. With the Coppa Italia representing their best chance at a trophy this season, expect Milan to give everything in this game.
• Inter Milan: Inter, on the other hand, are flying high under Simone Inzaghi. They sit atop Serie A and have looked imperious in recent weeks. Their 2-0 win against Atalanta last weekend was another example of their defensive solidity and clinical finishing, with Marcus Thuram and Carlos Augusto finding the net. Inter are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions and enter this derby brimming with confidence. However, they’ll need to cope without Lautaro Martínez, who is sidelined with an injury.

Tactical Match-Up

Simone Inzaghi’s Inter side is known for its well-organized 3-5-2 formation that emphasizes control in midfield and devastating counterattacks. The wing-backs, Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries, are crucial for providing width and creating overloads in wide areas. Meanwhile, Nicolò Barella’s dynamism in midfield ensures that Inter can transition quickly from defense to attack.

AC Milan, under Conceição’s guidance, prefers a high-intensity 4-3-3 system that thrives on pressing opponents and exploiting spaces on the counterattack. Rafael Leão’s pace on the left flank will be key to stretching Inter’s backline, while Olivier Giroud’s experience and aerial threat could prove decisive in set-piece situations. The tactical battle between these two contrasting styles will be fascinating to watch unfold.

Historical Rivalry

The Derby della Madonnina has always been one of football’s most iconic fixtures. Inter holds a slight edge historically with 89 wins compared to AC Milan’s 79 in competitive matches. In recent seasons, Inter has often had the upper hand, including a dominant 5-1 victory earlier this season in Serie A. However, Milan managed to win a tense Coppa Italia encounter last year, proving that anything can happen when these two giants collide.

Key Players

AC Milan

1. Rafael Leão: The Portuguese winger is one of Milan’s most dangerous players. His electric pace and ability to take on defenders make him a constant threat on the left flank. Leão’s creativity will be vital if Milan are to break down Inter’s well-organized defense.
2. Olivier Giroud: The veteran striker brings experience and composure to Milan’s attack. Known for his aerial prowess and ability to hold up play, Giroud could be pivotal in set-piece situations or when linking up with the likes of Leão and Pulisic.
3. Theo Hernández: The marauding left-back is one of AC Milan’s most influential players. His overlapping runs and pinpoint deliveries into the box add an extra dimension to their attack while his defensive contributions will be critical against Inter’s dangerous wing-backs.

Inter Milan

1. Marcus Thuram: With Lautaro Martínez unavailable, Thuram will lead the line for Inter. The Frenchman has been in fine form this season, combining physicality with excellent movement off the ball to trouble defenders.
2. Hakan Çalhanoğlu: Facing his former club always brings out the best in Çalhanoğlu. Operating as a deep-lying playmaker or advanced midfielder, his set-piece delivery and long-range shooting could be decisive.
3. Alessandro Bastoni: The Italian center-back is the cornerstone of Inter’s defense. His ability to read the game and distribute the ball from deep positions makes him an invaluable asset for Inzaghi’s side.

Prediction

This match promises plenty of drama as two contrasting styles meet under the bright lights of the San Siro. While Inter come into this game as favorites due to their superior form and tactical stability, AC Milan’s unpredictability—combined with home support—could make this a much closer contest than expected.

Predicted Scoreline: AC Milan 1–1 Inter Milan

Betting Markets

This derby promises high stakes, intense passion, and unforgettable moments as these two Italian giants battle it out for supremacy on one of football’s grandest stages!