Milan clearly go into Derby della Madonnina in better spirits than their arch rivals having beaten mighty Barcelona in the Champions League, but everybody knows current form rarely plays a part in this high-profile encounter.

Inter may be sitting just one point behind the final Champions League berth, currently held by their bitter rivals, but we cannot really say they enter the derby match in good spirits.

Europa League triumphs over Cluj certainly came in handy, but team’s patchy league form is a genuine cause for concern.

Inter have won just one of their last five league fixtures and two of last nine, and unless they find a way to arrest their dismal run of results, the Neroazzurri will soon be out of the race for European places.

Young boss Andrea Stramaccioni has found himself under extreme pressure of late, even though he is the main reason why Inter got this far in the first place.

His team will attempt to overcome a serious injury crisis and win the derby game, but odds of 3.30 (23/10) offered at BetVictor on home win are enough to suggest that will be no easy task.

The 3-0 Europa League victory came at a cost as important defender Andrea Ranocchia picked up a knee injury that is likely to see him miss the Milan game.

Alvaro Pereira misses out through suspension, whilst Walter Samuel, Diego Milito, Matias Silvestre, Gabi Mudingayi, Joel Obi and Luca Castellazzi are all out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Handanovic – Zanetti, Jesus, Chivu, Nagatomo – Gargano, Kuzmanovic, Cambiasso – Guarin – Cassano, Palacio.

Years have passed while top European coaches were trying to find the right strategy to prevent mighty Barcelona from being such a treat up front and it took one of the most criticized coaches in Italian Serie A to solve the puzzle.

While the players were absolutely amazing in adopting his ideas and putting them into practice, it is Max Allegri who has got to be given credit for the amazing 2-0 win over the Catalans in the Champions League last 16 stage.

The outstanding showing against arguably world’s strongest side proved this team not only have plenty of potential but also showed that they are maturing well ahead of schedule.

Some may think that Milan might have problems repeating that kind of display against Inter just four days later, but I see a great value in odds of 2.38 (11/8) offered at BetFred on away win.

With Mario Balotelli returning to the side after scoring 4 goals in first 3 matches for the club, bear in mind the Italy international is 2.55 (31/20) at Sportingbet to score in his fourth consecutive match.

Antonio Nocerino, Robinho, Luca Antonini and Bartosz Salamon have all resumed full training, but Mathieu Flamini is doubtful with a thigh problem. Nigel de Jong, Daniele Bonera and Didac Vila remain in the infirmary.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Abbiati – Abate, Mexes, Zapata, De Sciglio – Boateng, Montolivo, Ambrosini – Niang, Balotelli, El Shaarawy.

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