AC Milan vs Inter Milan: The Derby della Madonnina Battle for Champions League Final

The city of Milan is full of passion and excitement as the two titans of Italian football, AC Milan and Inter Milan, are set to face each other in the iconic Derby della Madonnina in the Champions League semifinals for the 2nd time in the history and for the 3rd time in the Champions League play-offs.

This legendary rivalry between the two teams has a history of more than a century, with countless unforgettable moments and matches, and it’s no surprise why it has become one of the most anticipated derbies in football history.

The air is thick with anticipation as fans from all over the world will gather to attend this iconic battle between the Rossoneri and the Nerazzurri. It’s a fixture that combines the best of football; the passion, the intensity, the drama.

From the likes of Maldini and Zanetti to Shevchenko and Ronaldo, this derby has seen some of the greatest players in the world showcase their skills and passion for the game. This time around, the current squad players are eager to leave their mark and add their names to the list of these football legends.

Both teams have a rich history and a great desire to come out on top in the UCL semi finals and reach the final. So, get ready for an emotional rollercoaster filled with drama, intensity, and a whole lot of excitement as these two giants clash once again in the Derby della Madonnina. So sit back, relax, and join us on this journey as we explore all things AC Milan vs Inter Milan, history, head to head stats, and much more!

History of Derby della Madonnina

The Derby della Madonnina is a battle of pride and honor. The history and tradition that surround this fixture only add to its allure, and each match only adds another chapter to the ongoing story of this legendary rivalry.

The rivalry between Milan and Inter dates back to the early 20th century, when the two teams were founded.

AC Milan was founded in 1899 as Milan Football and Cricket Club, while Inter was formed in 1908 by a breakaway group of players from the Milan Cricket and Football Club (today’s AC Milan). The group of players who formed Inter Milan wanted their club to accept more foreign players, which was not in line with AC Milan’s policy at the time.

This derby is not just about football, but it also has a historical significance. Milan was traditionally supported by the working-class while Inter fans were the bourgeoisie. This led to the rivalry being called “Derby della Madonnina” after the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the Milan Cathedral, which overlooks the city.

Furthermore, the rivalry intensified in the 1960s and 1970s when both teams dominated Italian football. Milan won two European Cups in the 60s, while Inter won their first European Cup in 1964 and a Serie A title in 1965. The rivalry also fueled the growth of Italian football, as the two teams’ success helped attract the attention of fans from around the world to the Serie A.

The passion and intensity of this rivalry are unlike any other, and it’s the one match that every football fan in Italy circles on their calendar. The roar of the crowds, the colors of the flags, and the sheer determination of the players are what make this derby so special.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan: Head to Head Stats

The two teams have been competing against each other since the early 1900s and have played 235 official matches against each other.

AC Milan have total 79 victories, Inter won 87 times and 69 matches ended with a draw.

Inter have scored 326 and Milan have scored 310 goals so far.

Milan vs Inter in Serie A

In Serie A, teams have played 200 matches, 76 victories for Inter and 65 victories for Milan.

Milan vs Inter in the Champions League

In the Champions League teams played 4 matches. Milan have 2 victories and 2 matches ended with a draw.

Champions League 2003 Semi Finals: AC Milan vs Inter

One of the most memorable encounters between Milan and Inter was in the 2003 Champions League semi-finals.

The two teams faced each other in the semi-finals. Teams played a goalless draw in the first leg.

The 2nd match finished with a 1-1 draw and Milan won on away goals after tied 1–1 on aggregate. Beating Inter, Milan reached the final and won against Juventus with penalties.

Champions League 2005 Quarter Finals: AC Milan vs Inter

The Champions League 2005 Quarter Finals matches between Milan and Inter were unforgettable encounters that saw two of Italy’s biggest football clubs battle it out on the European stage.

6-time Champions League winner, Milan, came into the game as favorites, but Inter were determined to upset the odds. AC Milan won the first match 2-0 with the goals of Stam and Shevchenko.

The second leg was abandoned after 72 minutes due to the Inter Milan fans throwing flares onto the pitch. UEFA awarded a 3-0 win to AC Milan. As a result, Milan reached the final, where they lost to Liverpool with penalties in the most dramatic Champions League final ever (But it’s another story that we will speak about in the near future :).

Champions League 2023 Semi Finals: AC Milan vs Inter

Milan and Inter are going to play in the Champions League semi-finals for the 2nd time, after 20 years.

Traditionally, Milan are more successful in the Champions League, they won this tournament 7 times so far, and won both battles against Inter, in 2003 and 2005.

On the other hand, Inter won the Champions League 3 times, and the last one was in 2010.

Key Players

Over the years, AC Milan and Inter have had some legendary players over the years, with some of the most notable being Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Andriy Shevchenko, and Kaka for AC Milan, and Giuseppe Meazza, Sandro Mazzola, Javier Zanetti, and Diego Milito for Inter Milan.

AC Milan vs Inter TOP Goalscorers

The top goalscorer of Derby della Madonnina is Andriy Shevchenko. The Rossoneri player scored 14 during the derbies. Giuseppe Meazza is the highest goalscorer of the Nerazzurri with 12 goals.

AC Milan vs Inter Most appearances

Paolo Maldini, Rossoneri legendary captain, played the most derbies, 56 appearances.

The next comes Nerazzurri Javier Zanetti, Inter legendary captain, with 47 appearances.

Conclusion

The AC Milan vs Inter Milan rivalry is one of the most intense in football, with both teams having a long history of competing against each other. While Inter may have the edge in head-to-head record, AC Milan have won more major trophies. Regardless of the results, matches between these two teams are always fiercely contested, and the rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come.

As the teams take to the field and the noise from the crowd reaches a fever pitch, one thing is certain – this is a clash that will be fiercely contested and filled with drama until the final whistle. The Derby della Madonnina is more than just a football match; it’s a battle for bragging rights, a chance to showcase their superiority over their city rivals. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster, as the legendary AC Milan vs Inter Milan rivalry is set to reignite once again..

As AC Milan and Inter Milan prepare to face each other once again in the Champions League semifinals, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eagerly anticipating another dramatic and emotional match, and the players are determined to leave their mark on the history of the Derby della Madonnina. So, get ready for an unforgettable football experience as these two giants clash once again in the Derby della Madonnina.

Check out also the list of the TOP 100 Football Clubs on Google in 2023, to find out on which positions AC Milan and Inter are!