Derby clashes between AC Milan and Inter Milan have historically been enthralling affairs because of the sheer quality of the players on the pitch whenever the two teams have come together.
However, in recent seasons -- with both sides falling down the Serie A table -- star power has been lacking. Yet, in spite of the two teams’ decline in fortunes, the Derby della Madonnina remains compelling viewing. And this Sunday’s meeting provides greater intrigue than usual.
Both clubs are at a crossroads in terms of ownership; both have made significant changes to their coaching staff in recent months; and both -- albeit for different reasons -- consider victory this weekend as a vital next step in their 2016-17 campaigns.
Who is to Blame for Inter's Season so far?
Inter enter Sunday’s fixture in a state of disarray, having already seen off one coach after just 11 rounds of league fixtures. Frank de Boer was appointed in August, succeeding Roberto Mancini in the hot seat, but was fired in November after a run of poor results. The Dutchman came with a big reputation after guiding Ajax to four successive Eredivisie titles during his time in charge of the Netherlands club, but he was unable to rejuvenate the Nerazzurri despite a number of exciting new additions.
The arrivals of Argentinian playmaker Ever Banega, versatile Portuguese midfielder Joao Mario, Brazilian prodigy Gabriel Barbosa and Italy winger Antonio Candreva offered hope of a title challenge. However, with Inter having lost five times already, this is no longer on the cards.
Blame for the club’s failings thus far has been placed at the feet of many people. Italian football writer Richard Hall believes that De Boer is not solely responsible for Inter’s poor form. "If you employ Frank de Boer you are investing in a change of style and a change in mindset that could take two or three years to resonate," Hall says. "For him to be sacked after 11 games was folly. It simply highlighted the club’s short-term attitude to recruitment. Ultimately, he didn’t stand a chance."
Comments made about an incident with the fans by top scorer Maurio Icardi in his recently published autobiography did little to help matters, though Hall feels the worst of this particular issue is in the past: "The Ultras will not forgive him, but they will cheer for him. They certainly won’t abuse him now."
Icardi’s 10 goals in 12 league appearances is enough to suggest that even if his relationship with Interisti is frayed at present, his productivity remains high. And, rather than him or De Boer, the general consensus is that Inter’s owners bear much of the responsibility for the team’s disappointing displays this term.
Can Pioli turn Inter's season around?
Regardless of who is to blame for Inter’s terrible start, it’s important that the club moves on from De Boer’s dismissal as quickly and efficiently as possible. Stefano Pioli was named the Dutchman’s successor on November 8, and with the derby being his first game in charge, he couldn’t have asked for a trickier start.
However, the new coach does come with a commendable background -- as recently as the 2014-15 season he worked wonders to lead Lazio to third place in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League qualification stages.
What is behind Milan's revival?
While Inter have underwhelmed, Milan have arguably overachieved so far this season. The development of a number of exciting young players has been a major factor in the Rossoneri reaching third place in the Serie A standings.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, 17, has produced several moments of greatness. His last-gasp penalty stop on the opening weekend against Torino secured three points, as did his save from a long-range Sami Khedira effort in the dying embers of the clash with Juventus in October. Meanwhile, 18-year-old playmaker Manuel Locatelli emerged not just with strong performances from the base of midfield, but with two crucial and stunning goals against both Sassuolo and Juventus. Additionally, M’Baye Niang and Alessio Romagnoli, both 21, and Suso, 23, have all played important roles.
Who needs the win more on Sunday?
Former Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta doesn’t believe Sunday’s derby is a particularly meaningful one in the grand scheme of things. "It’s not an important derby in terms of the table," he remarked in an interview with Milan News. “Because -- in my opinion -- neither team will finish in the Champions League.”
Essentially, Sunday’s derby acts as an opportunity for both teams. For Inter, it represents a chance to begin a new era with a bang. For Milan, it offers the option of prolonging a surprisingly positive start to the season. Consequently, even without the grandeur of previous meetings, the latest Derby della Madonnina will be filled with meaning.
