At 1pm Italian time today, at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, the Derby between Milan and Inter will take place. This summer friendly Derby returns in this format after 11 years. For the Rossoneri, it is only their second pre-season fixture of this offseason, following their 2-2 comeback draw away against Celtic in Glasgow.
For the Nerazzurri, however, it is already their fourth match, after a convincing win against German amateur opposition, a more hard-fought victory against Karlsruhe, and a penalty shootout win over Manchester City. For Milan today, Leao returns…
During his seven years at Milan, Portuguese winger Rafael Leao has managed to hurt Inter on several occasions, especially during the Scudetto-winning season and the following campaign. Today, Ruben Amorim will also be able to count on him.
The number 10 returned to the squad on 29 July as planned, alongside his compatriot Gonçalo Ramos. Today, both players are ready to start from the first minute.
Although it is only a friendly, the Milan-Inter Derby remains a fixture of enormous significance, even in the summer and thousands of kilometres away from Italy. This time, it carries even greater meaning as it comes just one day after the funeral of legendary captain Franco Baresi. It is symbolic that Milan’s first match following the passing of the iconic Rossoneri No. 6 will be against their city rivals. Baresi will be honoured appropriately, and the team will look to pay tribute to him on the pitch, with the Portuguese contingent expected to play a leading role.
Milan, who take on Inter today at 13:00 Italian time at Optus Stadium in Perth, could showcase a strong Portuguese influence. Ruben Amorim will be on the touchline, while two of his fellow countrymen are expected to start the match.
Both Gonçalo Ramos and Rafael Leao are expected to be named in the starting XI and play together from the opening whistle. The newspaper’s headline reads more broadly: “A Derby from another world: Milan and Inter rehearse their city clash in Perth.”
