The derby is fast approaching, with Inter and AC Milan getting ready to face each other again on Sunday 2nd May at 18:30 CEST at the Arena Civica G. Brera on matchday 20 of Serie A Women. The two sides are in different form and different places in the standings, but are both in need of valuable points in the hope of reaching their targets for the season. Here is the Match Preview:
LATEST FROM PUMA HOUSE OF FOOTBALLThings don’t seem to have changed much since the draw at home to Napoli, but the Rossonere have edged closer to third place, now just three points off the Champions League spots. Last weekend’s 0-0 draw in a direct clash felt disappointing, with Coach Bakker’s side creating enough chances to win the game while also running a few risks at the back. The team looks sharp and determined, and from here on every match will really matter. Away to Inter, they’ll need focus, intensity and a desire for revenge after the heavy defeat in the return fixture.
"A derby isn't just played, it’s experienced", Suzanne Bakker‘s words before the clash. "The rivalry, the tension and the pride make this a match of its own, but we must not forget that there is also a lot at stake from a sporting perspective. We are focused, well prepared, and determined to give everything for our club and our supporters."
LATEST FROM INTERThe Nerazzure are the second-strongest side in the league (on 40 points) and have by far the most prolific attack in the competition (45 goals). Their Scudetto hopes, however, are slim, but still possible. Piovani’s side come into the game off a 2-1 away win in Genoa – far from straightforward as they had to come from behind thanks to a second-half brace from Milinković. Their main threat remains Belgian forward Wullaert. She is Inter’s top scorer and the leading scorer in Serie A Women (19 goals and nine assists).
"We're heading into the derby with the right mindset. We need to give our everything and then some. The occasion itself creates the intensity, but we still have to work hard, especially tactically," said Gianpiero Piovani, head coach of the Nerazzurre. "We're ready. We'll need to stay focused because AC Milan are a very strong team."
PRE-MATCH STATS
- AC Milan have not conceded a goal in any of their last four Serie A Women matches (two wins, two draws). Since the start of the second half of the season, no team has kept as many clean sheets as the Rossonere (four, level with Como Women and Juventus Women). AC Milan have never recorded five consecutive clean sheets in the top flight, coming closest between November 2020 and January 2021.
- AC Milan are also, along with Roma and Inter, one of the teams to have scored the most goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season (ten each). At the same time, only Lazio (nine) have conceded more than the Rossonere in this period (eight, level with Parma, Fiorentina and Napoli Women).
- Christy Grimshaw could feature in her 11th Derby against Inter in Serie A. Only Giuliani (12) and Bergamaschi (eleven) have played more. Inter could become her favourite opponent in the league (two goals so far, as many as against Pomigliano and San Marino, plus one assist), and potentially the second team against which she has been involved in more than three goals in the competition after Pink Bari (four assists).
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAMEIn Italy, Inter v AC Milan will be broadcast live on DAZN. Full coverage will also be available across AC Milan Women’s official Instagram account, on acmilan.com, and via the AC Milan Official App, where the full match replay will be available on demand from the following day.
LATEST FROM SERIE A WOMEN
Andrea Palmieri, from the Brindisi section, has been appointed referee. Linesmen Callovi and Bosco, fourth official Gambirasio and FVS operator Chimento will assist.
Matchday 20 in Serie A Women kicks off on Saturday with Napoli Women v Juventus at 12:30, followed by Sassuolo v Genoa at 15:00, and two fixtures at 18:30: Inter v AC Milan, and Roma v Ternana Women. On Sunday, Parma host Lazio Women at 12:30, before Fiorentina face Como Women at 15:00. (times in CEST)
The standings: Roma 46; Inter 40; Juventus 32; Napoli Women 30; AC Milan 29; Lazio and Fiorentina 27; Como Women 26; Parma and Sassuolo 16; Ternana Women 14; Genoa 9.
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