The Derby della Madonnina is Sunday as the two fallen giants in Serie A will lock horns. ESPN FC bloggers Sumeet Paul (AC Milan) and Richard Hall (Inter Milan) tackle the 50-50 Challenge to preview the showdown...
Sum up the rivalry in 10 words or less.
Sumeet Paul: A battle between two successful, historic and prestigious city rivals.
Richard Hall: The source of dreams and aspirations. Serie A's greatest game.
What shape are you in ahead of this one?
SP: Milan are without a win in their last four games, with three draws and one defeat. While their form has dipped, there is still a positive atmosphere within the club ahead of the Derby della Madonnina as Pippo Inzaghi prepares for his first derby as manager. The Rossoneri know a win would take them back into the immediate mix for third place, but more importantly, pride is at stake, and they will be determined to build on their derby win at the end of last season and get back on track.
RH: The narrative for the Derby della Madonnina has changed for the Nerazzurri. Roberto Mancini's return has allowed the Inter faithful to dream about a meaningful long-term plan again. This would conclude in Inter being a domestic force once again, but it would be wise not to get carried away. Walter Mazzarri's expulsion from the Inter bench came as a result of rigid tactics, poor tempo, terrible communication and some abject matches. Mancini has not had long with the players to eradicate all the bad habits, and the Nerazzurri may hope to be carried through on a wave of joyous expectation.
Will the Milan giants ever get back to dominating Serie A and Europe?
SP: Serie A is a more realistic ambition in the short term, as both clubs have the squads capable of competing for the Scudetto in the coming years. Having fallen from grace, both clubs have identified the requirement to rebuild, and with the cyclical nature of success in football, they will hope to be back on top sooner rather than later. From a Milan perspective, Inzaghi appears to have the attributes to bring an end to their recent struggles, but being a force in Europe could still take a few years as the squad needs to mature and be strengthened in key areas.
RH: If you look back to the derby from only four years ago, that match actually meant something -- not only for pride and passion, but ultimately for deciding where the Scudetto would eventually go. Now, with both teams outside the Champions League (and the vast amounts of revenue that brings), long-term success depends very much on the immediate return to Europe's top competition. That is perhaps where this derby gets its edge and why it will be so hotly contested.
Which players, if any, would you take from the opposing side?
SP: The first name that stands out when looking at the Nerazzurri's squad is Mateo Kovacic. The young Croatian international is a creative hub in the middle of the pitch, and he will undoubtedly continue to develop into one of Europe's finest. In addition, despite his critics over the years, Andrea Ranocchia could arguably bring some real stability to the Milan defence, which has been a real weakness for some time. The Italian centre-back has previously been on Milan's radar, but he could find himself becoming a fundamental part of Mancini's plans moving forward.
RH: I guess I am not allowed to convince Inzaghi to come out of retirement and hang around the box? If not, then I would take Keisuke Honda and Giacomo Bonaventura. Honda has been a revelation this season, while Bonaventura would give Inter much needed width. If you watched Inter under Mazzarri, you will know how much they have been craving a player who can actually deliver good crosses consistently.
Prediction
SP: 1-1. Mancini's arrival complicates things for Milan as Inter will have been boosted by his appointment, but Inzaghi will be highly motivated too and will not allow the Rossoneri to lose this one.
RH: The return of Mancini has given the club a huge lift -- Inter to win by a single goal.