Christian Pulisic starts: Confirmed lineups for AC Milan vs Inter Milan in 2026-27 Serie A Derby della Madonnina
Derby della Madonnina set for a tactical clash
\nThe Milan derby returns this weekend with both sides riding contrasting waves of recent form. AC Milan will rely on American winger Christian Pulisic to spearhead the attack, while Inter Milan, under Cristian Chivu, line up a balanced 3‑5‑2 that reflects their three‑match winning streak.
\n\nRecent performances shape the narrative
\nAC Milan entered the derby after a mixed October. The Rossoneri secured a dramatic 3‑2 victory over Atalanta on 18 October and followed it with a clean‑sheet 2‑0 win against Udinese a week later. However, a 4‑2 defeat to Bologna on 28 October halted their momentum and highlighted defensive frailties that manager Ruben Amorim must address before facing their city rivals.
\nInter, on the other hand, arrived in Milan buoyed by three consecutive league triumphs. A 3‑1 success over Bologna on 17 October was the springboard for a 2‑1 win against Fiorentina on 25 October and a 2‑0 victory over Venezia on 28 October. The consistency of those results gives Chivu’s side confidence and a chance to press their advantage in the standings.
\n\nAC Milan’s starting eleven
\nAmorim opted for a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, deploying a back four of Mario Gila, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic and Sankhoun Diawara in front of goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The double pivot in midfield features Adrien Rabiot alongside Luka Modrić, providing a blend of physicality and experience. Ahead of them, the attacking trio of Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and Diego Moreira supports lone striker Gonçalo Ramos. No players are listed as unavailable, meaning Amorim can field his preferred group.
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- Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan \n
- Defence: Mario Gila, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic, Sankhoun Diawara \n
- Midfield: Adrien Rabiot, Luka Modrić \n
- Attacking midfield: Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Diego Moreira \n
- Striker: Gonçalo Ramos \n
Inter Milan’s starting eleven
\nChivu set up his side in a 3‑5‑2, anchored by a three‑man defence of Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni, with Josep Martinez between the sticks. The wing‑backs – Andy Diouf and Djed Spence – will provide width, while a midfield trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Carlos Augusto aims to dominate possession and dictate tempo. Up front, the partnership of Marcus Thuram and Petar Sucic will look to exploit any gaps left by Milan’s defence.
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- Goalkeeper: Josep Martinez \n
- Defence: Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni \n
- Wing‑backs: Andy Diouf, Djed Spence \n
- Midfield: Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Carlos Augusto \n
- Forwards: Marcus Thuram, Petar Sucic \n
Key tactical battles
\nPulisic vs. Inter’s wing‑backs – The American’s ability to cut inside and combine with the midfield will be tested by the athleticism of Diouf and Spence. If Pulisic can find space between the wing‑backs and the back three, Milan could create the decisive openings.
\nMidfield duel – Milan’s double pivot of Rabiot and Modrić offers defensive cover and distribution, while Inter’s trio of Barella, Calhanoglu and Augusto provides a blend of box‑to‑box work, creativity and defensive discipline. The side that wins the central battle is likely to control the rhythm of the game.
\nDefensive organization – Milan’s recent 4‑2 loss exposed vulnerabilities on the flanks. Inter’s three‑centre‑back system, coupled with disciplined wing‑backs, may press Milan’s full‑backs into uncomfortable positions, especially if they are forced to track Pulisic’s runs.
\n\nWhat the result could mean
\nA win for AC Milan would serve as a morale boost, helping to steady the ship after the Bologna setback and potentially narrow the gap to Inter in the league table. For
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