The upcoming semi-final in the Champions League adds even more excitement to this fierce local derby between Inter Milan and AC Milan. However, the initial enthusiasm took a hit when Inter quickly took a commanding 2-0 lead within the first 11 minutes of the first leg, dampening the atmosphere.
For Milan, being designated as the home team in the first leg despite both matches taking place at San Siro wasn’t advantageous. The only silver lining for the Rossoneri was that they managed to prevent further goals, making it the fastest they had ever fallen behind by two goals in a Champions League match. Following that disappointing performance and a Serie A defeat against Spezia, Milan’s players had to face the criticism from their fans at the end of the game.
Inter Milan holds the upper hand heading into the second leg, having already defeated AC Milan three times this season across different competitions (Serie A, Supercoppa Italiana, and Champions League). A victory in the upcoming match would mark only the second time in history that Inter has beaten their rivals four times in a single season, previously achieved in 1973-74 in Serie A and Coppa Italia.
While Stefano Pioli’s team did manage to beat the Nerazzurri 3-2 in September, they have since lost all three subsequent encounters without finding the net, despite taking 31 shots. AC Milan has never gone four games in a row without scoring against Inter in their history, but their current form is concerning. Inter is favored to win the match at odds of 21/20, and betting on them to win without conceding goals (12/5) could yield better returns.
Despite the advantage of playing the away leg at their home stadium, Milan faces an uphill battle. Only one team has ever overcome a two-goal deficit in a UEFA Champions League semi-final to advance. However, for those seeking omens, it’s worth noting that Milan striker Divock Origi played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s remarkable comeback against Barcelona in 2018-19, overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate at Anfield. Milan is priced at a significant 12/1 to qualify for the final, for those who believe in superstitions.
Manager Simone Inzaghi has faith in his Inter Milan team to complete the task at hand. In the knockout stages of this season’s Champions League, Inter has never trailed in a match (W3 D2) and has kept four clean sheets in five games.
Betting Tips
An open game will see goals in the 2nd half. Back over 1.5 goals in the 2nd half at 10/11.
Inter Milan also look a decent bet to lift the trophy in a one off game against City or Madrid
