AC Milan Faces High-Stakes Derby della Madonnina Against Inter Milan to Salvage Slumping Serie A Title Hopes

AC Milan must beat Inter Milan at the San Siro to close a 10-point gap and keep the Serie A title race alive as the season enters its final 11 games.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 8:58 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CNA

Crucial San Siro Showdown for Scudetto Aspirants

The upcoming Derby della Madonnina represents a final opportunity for AC Milan to inject life into a stalling Serie A title race. Currently trailing Inter Milan by 10 points, the Rossoneri face a "must-win" scenario on Sunday to prevent the league leaders from extending their advantage into an insurmountable lead. While Milan has enjoyed a period of local dominance, remaining undefeated in the last six derbies with four victories, their inability to convert league performances into consistent three-point hauls has allowed their rivals to pull away in the standings.

Contrasting Forms Define the Championship Pursuit

The title race has transformed significantly since January, when Inter, Milan, and Napoli were separated by a mere two points. Since that period, Inter Milan has been nearly flawless, dropping only two points across their last 15 fixtures. In contrast, AC Milan has seen seven points slip away in their most recent six matches, a slump that has seen them lose critical ground. Under Massimiliano Allegri, Milan has actually lost fewer games than Inter this season, but nine draws have proven to be the primary obstacle to their championship ambitions.

Defensive Resolve Amidst Tactical Challenges

Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic emphasized the unique nature of the derby, noting that previous league form often counts for little when the two local giants meet. Pavlovic observed that even during difficult seasons, Milan has historically found a way to rise to the occasion in the derby. However, the squad must now navigate a month-long absence of defender Matteo Gabbia, who recently underwent surgery for a hernia. This defensive adjustment comes at a critical time as the team attempts to remain united and maintain pressure on the leaders with only 11 matches remaining in the campaign.