AC Milan Derby Set for Tactical Surprises While Inter Stick to Stability

The upcoming Milan derby between AC Milan and Inter Milan is shaping up to be a clash of contrasting strategies. AC Milan, under new manager Paulo Fonseca, is expected to introduce two significant tactical changes, while Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, will likely stick to their tried-and-tested formula. With both sides eyeing crucial points early in the season, this tactical battle could prove decisive not only for the derby but for the trajectory of their campaigns.

AC Milan’s Two Major Tactical Adjustments

Fonseca’s AC Milan side has maintained a consistent 4-2-3-1 formation through his first five games in charge, a system that was also preferred by his predecessor, Stefano Pioli. However, for this derby, Fonseca is reportedly planning a switch to a 4-4-2 setup, partnering Álvaro Morata with Tammy Abraham in a two-striker formation. This marks a significant departure from Milan’s recent tactical approach, where lone forwards have been supported by wingers and attacking midfielders.

Fonseca hinted at these changes in his pre-match comments, where he emphasized a different strategy for each game, depending on the opponent. "We know we are facing a very strong team. We have prepared for this game according to our opponent's strength. One thing we must not do is hand over control of the game to them. We want to hold more possession and take the initiative whenever we can," Fonseca stated. The manager’s focus on keeping possession and dictating the game signals his desire for Milan to control proceedings rather than allowing Inter to dominate.

Fans of AC Milan have reacted with mixed emotions to this potential switch in formation. The optimists see this as an exciting prospect, heralding it as a "fantastic quartet" upfront, while pessimists are concerned about the balance of the team, particularly the defensive vulnerabilities that may arise. With players like Rafael Leão, who is not known for his defensive work rate, and Christian Pulisic, who has been inconsistent, the new 4-4-2 formation could potentially morph into a 4-2-4 in practice. This raises legitimate concerns about how Milan’s defense will cope, especially if the wide players fail to track back and assist the defense.

Fonseca addressed this concern, albeit indirectly, by focusing on the need to outscore the opponent. “This Milan team may not have the decisiveness, intelligence, and organization it needs right now, but how do I plan to win the derby? By scoring more goals than Inter—that’s how you win games,” Fonseca remarked. His approach, therefore, seems to prioritize offensive output over defensive solidity, an approach not commonly associated with recent Milan derbies, where previous managers like Pioli often focused on tightening the defense at all costs.

The second major adjustment from Milan could be a change in personnel. Fonseca is reportedly considering fielding Gabbia in defense to replace the fatigued Pavlović as Fikayo Tomori’s partner. Pavlović has featured in several consecutive games, and his recent performances have shown signs of physical strain. Gabbia, a product of Milan’s youth academy, is expected to bring a higher level of emotional investment and understanding of the derby, much like Inter’s Federico Dimarco, a boyhood Inter fan who has become a key figure in their derby success stories. Fonseca seems to believe that Gabbia’s familiarity with the intensity of the derby, combined with his desire to fight for the club, could make up for his relative lack of experience compared to Pavlović.

Additionally, with key injuries to players like Calabria, Kalulu, and Bennacer, Milan’s defense has been thin, and Fonseca is likely hoping that Gabbia’s introduction can address some of the weaknesses caused by these absences. Gabbia’s ability to adapt and step into a crucial role could be a gamble, but one that pays off if he rises to the occasion.

Inter Milan’s Steady Approach

On the other side, Inter Milan’s approach could not be more different. Media outlets like Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Italia have consistently predicted that Inzaghi will field the same starting eleven that was theoretically Inter’s strongest last season. This consistent lineup includes players like Lautaro Martínez, Nicolò Barella, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who have been pivotal in Inter’s early-season form.

Inzaghi’s comments in the lead-up to the derby reinforce the notion that Inter will stick to what has worked for them in the past. “Rather than thinking about how Milan will approach us, I need to think about what we need to do,” Inzaghi explained. His remarks are consistent with his philosophy of focusing on his own team’s strengths rather than worrying too much about the opponent. When asked whether the derby or games against smaller teams are more crucial for title ambitions, Inzaghi responded: “I think the league is won in matches against direct competitors,” making it clear that he sees the derby as a vital test for Inter’s ambitions this season.

One of Inter’s main advantages this season, compared to their rivals like AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli, is that they have a settled system. While those teams are still adjusting to new managers or undergoing squad transitions, Inter has no such concerns. Although the team’s fitness levels were an issue at the start of the season, causing them to drop some points, they remain a well-drilled unit. When it comes to big games, especially against top opponents, Inzaghi is likely to lean on the players and tactics that served them well last season. The best example of this was Inter’s dominant 4-0 win over Atalanta earlier in the campaign, where the same core group of players delivered a statement victory.

Inter’s squad has been bolstered by key players returning from injury, including Federico Dimarco. Despite only recently recovering, Dimarco’s long-standing connection to the club and familiarity with the derby make him an automatic choice for Inzaghi, much like Gabbia on the Milan side. However, with Lautaro Martínez also struggling with fitness issues early in the season, there remains a slight possibility that Inzaghi could throw in a surprise with his selection, but his inclination toward consistency suggests he will resist making drastic changes.

AC Milan’s History of Tactical Changes in Derbies

Over the past several Milan derbies, AC Milan’s managers have often leaned on tactical changes, particularly in Pioli’s era. Almost every derby under Pioli involved Milan making adjustments to disrupt Inter’s game plan. Whether it was positioning a hard-working midfielder in the No. 10 role to press Inter’s deep-lying playmaker or shifting attacking players into more defensive roles, the goal was always to break up Inter’s rhythm. While the specific adjustments varied from game to game, the overall approach was clear: Milan was willing to sacrifice their own attacking fluency to stifle Inter’s strengths.

This time, however, under Fonseca, Milan’s approach appears to have shifted. Rather than focusing on stopping Inter, Fonseca seems intent on outscoring them, even if it means leaving defensive gaps. This new mentality of “attack first” is a notable departure from the more cautious, defensively-minded Pioli derbies. Fonseca’s willingness to change his lineup and formation reflects this more aggressive, forward-thinking approach.

Meanwhile, Inzaghi remains steadfast in his strategy. His game plan centers around the belief that if Inter stick to what they know best, they can neutralize whatever Milan throws at them. In his view, Inter's core philosophy and starting XI are strong enough to absorb whatever tactical innovations Milan might employ. Inzaghi’s unwavering faith in his squad’s abilities, regardless of Milan’s tactical shifts, suggests that Inter will be the more stable side heading into this high-stakes derby.

As the two teams prepare to face off, the question remains: will Milan’s tactical gambles lead to another disjointed derby performance, allowing Inter to capitalize, or can Fonseca finally find the key to unlocking Inter’s defense and turn the tide in the red half of the city?