Inter vs Milan: Picking a Combined XI Ahead of Saturday's Derby Della Madonnina
The treat for enduring an absolute sh*tshow of an international break? An utter barnstormer round of fixtures across Europe this weekend.
Purists won't have a clue where to look; you've got the most highly anticipated Merseyside Derby in years, the third instalment of Pep Guardiola vs. Mikel Arteta and Gareth Bale's Tottenham return, while over in Italy, Atalanta's trip to Napoli will tingle the tastebuds ahead of the big one.
That's right, the first Derby della Madonnina of the campaign takes place on Saturday afternoon with Milan, amid a mightily impressive 19-game unbeaten run, facing up against Scudetto hopefuls Inter.
These two footballing giants treated us to a spectacle the last time they met, as the Nerazzurri roared back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to overcome a Rossoneri side just at the start of their evolution under Stefano Pioli. Inter's eventual 4-2 victory was one of the comebacks - and contests - of the 2019/20 season.
The respective resurgences of a pair of Italian supergiants mean stars will be aplenty at San Siro in this one. Thus, here's 90min's shot at a combined XI between the fierce rivals.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - Samir Handanovic has undoubtedly been one of Serie A's finest shot-stoppers over the past decade but a shaky start to 2020/21 sees young blood pip him to the post in this side. Donnarumma is yet to concede in the league this term.
Simon Kjaer (CB) - Perhaps a surprise pick but Milan Skrininar's struggles in a back three, combined with the Dane's stellar form since his bargain move from Sevilla in January, sees Kjaer line up on the right of a three.
Stefan de Vrij (CB) - There's only one word to define the Dutchman since Antonio Conte's arrival: imperious. De Vrij was Serie A's premier centre-half last term and will lock horns in a clash of the titans bout with a certain Swede on Saturday.
Alessandro Bastoni (CB) - The most talented Italian centre-back of his generation. No doubt. With his proactiveness, capacity to defend on the front-foot and supreme ball-playing abilities, it's no surprise the 21-year-old has adjusted to Conte's system like a fish to water.
2. Midfielders & Wing-Backs
Achraf Hakimi (RWB) - Talk about immediate impact, eh. It took just 20 minutes for the electric Moroccan to register his first Inter assist following his summer move before he embarked on a man of the match display against Benevento on matchday two. The kid was born to play under Antonio Conte and the Italian's already getting creative with his utilisation of a special talent.
Ismael Bennacer (CM) - The Algerian's been key in bringing about balance to Pioli's Milan alongside the similarly impressive Franck Kessie in the double pivot. Bennacer's an adept and aggressive ball-winner who also boasts tremendous grace in possession. He deservedly beats out plenty of competition for a spot in the midfield three.
Marcelo Brozovic (CM) - Admittedly, it's been a pretty erratic start for Brozovic in 2020/21 but he was so crucial for the Nerazzurri in Conte's debut season. The Croatian's intensity out of possession is often overwhelming and he also has the knack of producing the goods in key spots.
Nicolo Barella (CM) - The rise have of Nicolo Barella has been swift. From Cagliari to national team mainstay, the diminutive Italian is a personal favourite of Conte's. A true box-to-box midfielder who shines in transition, the 23-year-old epitomises the 'grinta' commonly associated with his current boss.
Theo Hernandez (LWB) - Wow. What a wing-back tandem this is. Hernandez may need plenty of refinement as a defender but there's no questioning his attacking capabilities. Direct, aggressive and dynamic, the Frenchman notched an impressive 11 goal contributions in Serie A last term.
3. Forwards
Romelu Lukaku (ST) - The vast majority are finally starting to appreciate just how good Lukaku is. The Belgian is Conte's system with his function overwhelmingly imperative in the Italian 3-5-2. He has three goals in as many games to start 2020/21 after matching Ronaldo's record of 34 strikes in a debut campaign last time out.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST) - The humble Swede holds similar importance to the Rossoneri as Lukaku does to Inter due to his remarkable ability to hold-up play and function as an outlet. Zlatan's impact on Pioli's side has been transformative since his December move - scoring ten times in 18 Serie appearances last season. The 39-year-old also started 2020/21 in fine fettle with a brace against Bologna.