Milan vs Inter Derby: Played in Australia, All Eyes on Amorim
Today, 5 August, AC Milan face Inter Milan in one of the most anticipated pre-season friendlies, with kick-off at 1:00 PM in Australia. This is no ordinary derby: both sides will wear black armbands in memory of Franco Baresi, and a minute of silence will be observed before kick-off, with images of the great captain projected on the big screens.
Beyond the emotional dimension, the match is a crucial test for head coach Sérgio Amorim, who needs to show clear improvement compared to the previous outing against Celtic. On the other side, however, stands a well-drilled Inter side — Serie A champions last season — making this anything but a routine friendly.
Probable Lineup: Amorim Splits the Match in Two Again
As he did against Celtic, the Portuguese manager is expected to avoid fielding a fixed XI for the full 90 minutes. The squad will be split across the two halves, with heavy rotation giving minutes to a wide range of players.
In attack, a very exciting trio could start: Rafael Leão on the left, Christopher Nkunku as a second striker or attacking midfielder, and Gonzalo Ramos as the centre-forward. This offensive combination could be a preview of what fans will see in the Serie A opener against Torino. It’s worth keeping an eye on Leão’s situation, with the transfer market still swirling around the Portuguese winger, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe remaining very active suitors.
In defence, the expected trio is Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlović — the same unit that started against Celtic last season. Koni De Winter has only just returned, while Mario Gila is still working through a physical problem, leaving the back line thin on cover. Other defensive options may come into play as the match progresses.
On the flanks, Samuel Chukwueze is likely to start on the right, while Davide Bartesaghi or Pervis Estupiñán compete for the left-back slot. In midfield, three players are fighting for two spots: Youssouf Fofana, Samuele Ricci and a third squad member are all in contention, with whoever misses out expected to enter from the bench.
Modrić Will Feature: Limited Minutes but Confirmed Presence
Luka Modrić is one of the biggest storylines heading into the game. The Croatian midfielder only returned to training on 2 August after the World Cup, meaning he heads into this derby with just three sessions under his belt. Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the former Real Madrid star will get game time, but also stressed that no one has a guaranteed starting spot — the Croatian legend must earn his place just like everyone else. A strong philosophical statement from the new boss.
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener: Milan Must Hit the Ground Running
With Serie A kicking off in fewer than 20 days, every minute of this pre-season is precious. Today’s derby is a vital checkpoint to assess progress on a tactical, technical and physical level. Amorim’s task is to blend new arrivals with established players, establish his system and build the winning mentality the Rossoneri faithful demand. Milan are a work in progress — but all the pieces are there. It’s just a matter of putting them together.
