90min

The Inter lineup that should start against AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina

By Harry Symeou

Antonio Conte's side will be well rested ahead of the derby as a result of their elimination from Europe
Antonio Conte's side will be well rested ahead of the derby as a result of their elimination from Europe / BSR Agency/Getty Images
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Inter head into this weekend's Derby della Madonnina top of the pile in Serie A, knowing victory will pull them four points clear of their neighbourhood rivals.

I Nerrazzuri enjoyed a positive weekend last time around as Milan and Juventus both dropped points to hand Antonio Conte's side the chance to climb to the top of the table with victory over Lazio.

It wasn't an opportunity they passed up, with their 3-1 win over I Biancocelesti a major milestone in their quest to win a first scudetto for over a decade. There's no time for resting on any laurels though, and Inter's heads will need to be screwed on for a huge clash with resurgent Milan at San Siro.

Here, 90min picks the Inter lineup that should contest the 174th Milan derby.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Alessandro Bastoni has been solid for Inter this season
Alessandro Bastoni has been solid for Inter this season / Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Samir Handanovic (GK) - Inter's number one stopper and captain is one of Antonio Conte's leaders and most important players.

Milan Skriniar (CB) - The Slovakian has started in 77% of the club's Serie A fixtures and there's no reason for his manager to wield the axe now.

Stefan de Vrij (CB) - Another player certain of a start is Dutchman De Vrij, who has continued to impress each and every week.

Alessandro Bastoni (CB) - The 21-year-old is one of Italian football's brightest young talents, and is the third member of Conte's rarely changed backline.

2. Midfielders

Nicolo Barella is another Italian talent Inter are blessed to have within their ranks
Nicolo Barella is another Italian talent Inter are blessed to have within their ranks / BSR Agency/Getty Images

Achraf Hakimi (RM) - The Moroccan's pace is enough to frighten anybody, but he may be in for a tough afternoon against Theo Hernandez. 11 goal contributions show how valuable he is going forward.

Nicolo Barella (CM) - The dynamic midfielder is the heartbeat of this Inter side and will look to tick things over.

Marcelo Brozovic (CM) - The Croatian is the one who sits deepest, holding things together and recycling play for Inter. His dependability and strength in area is a major plus.

Christian Eriksen (CM) - The Dane looked a dead cert to be leaving in January, but suddenly things have changed. Yes, his place in the side is far from secure, but his creative ability remains undeniable.

Ivan Perisic (LM) - Offers real quality and a ridiculously high work rate, which is why Conte is such a fan of his. Scored against Fiorentina recently and has the ability to give Davide Calabria a tough game.

3. Forwards

Lukaku scored twice during last weekend's win over Lazio
Lukaku scored twice during last weekend's win over Lazio / BSR Agency/Getty Images

Lautaro Martinez (ST) - The Argentine striker is a dynamic presence up front, with his energy and link-up abilities nicely complementing the always reliable Romelu Lukaku. Has scored 11 goals to date, though that figure should arguably be higher.

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - A goalscorer, regular provider and leader, Lukaku has more than repaid the faith Inter showed when they forked out big money to sign him from Manchester United.

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