Ahead of the first Milan derby of the Serie A season, we’ve put together our all-time AC Milan vs Inter Milan combined XI.
The history of both teams is littered with world-class players in every position and we were spoilt for choice when making these selections.
To qualify, we felt each squad member must have made at least 100 appearances for their team – but there is one exception!
Carlo Ancelotti just gets the nod as manager after leading the Rossoneri to two Champions League triumphs during his nine-year stint in charge, when adopting a 4-4-2 formation.
Nereo Rocco and Arrigo Sacchi managed the same feat with AC, while under consideration from Inter were Helenio Herrera or Jose Mourinho, but there was no appeal in parking the bus with this line-up!
Goalkeeper: Walter Zenga (Inter)
‘Spider Man’ represented the Nerazzurri for 23 years after joining the youth team in 1971 and also earned 58 international caps for Italy between the sticks. He was voted the world’s best goalkeeper on three occasions and thrilled fans with his flamboyant saves.
Right-back: Javier Zanetti (Inter)
The Argentina defender holds the record for most Serie A appearances by a foreign player after playing 615 times for Inter in Italy’s top flight. Add on 145 caps for La Albiceleste and it is easy to see why Zanetti earned his nickname ‘El Tractor’ for his tireless style of play.
Centre-half: Franco Baresi (AC)
The original one-club man, Baresi was captain for 15 of his 20 seasons with the Rossoneri. A player who would always lead by example and inspire others with his ultra-professional approach both on and off the pitch. His positional sense was without equal.
Centre-half: Giuseppe Bergomi (Inter)
Another commanding figure who brought out the best in those around him, providing great calmness under pressure. As well as playing 758 matches for Inter, Bergomi featured in four World Cups for Italy, lifting the trophy in 1982 and captaining the Azzurri eight years later.
Left-back: Paolo Maldini (AC)
Rated by many as the greatest defender of all-time, Maldini could have played in the middle but was simply phenomenal as a left-back. In over 900 games for AC, he secured seven Serie A titles and five Champions League triumphs, consistently starring with his relentless defence and aerial prowess.
Midfield: Frank Rijkaard (AC)
The stylish Holland star did not lack talent in terms of distribution and link-up play, but it is his qualities as a holding midfielder that we’re looking to utilise. Aggressive and athletic, Rijkaard was a force of nature in Milan’s engine room.
Midfield: Lothar Matthaus (Inter)
The epitomy of German efficiency, the 1990 Ballon d’Or winner led his country to World Cup glory in Italy that year. For Inter, Matthaus was the complete midfielder, playing from box to box as he helped to shore up the defence and provide flashes of brilliance going forward.
Midfield: Kaka (AC)
The 92-times capped Brazil playmaker was both physically imposing and blessed with incredible natural talent on the ball. Equally adept at dribbling, providing assists for teammates with his precise passing and scoring spectacular goals, Kaka won the World Cup in 2002 and the Champions League five years later.
Midfield: Ruud Gullit (AC)
With his iconic dreadlocks flowing, Gullit was a sight to behold as his speed, strength and attacking prowess terrorised defences. A trio of Scudettos and two Champions League trophies marked his seven seasons in Milan and the 6ft 3in athlete was also powerful in the air.
Striker: Marco van Basten (AC)
Completed the trio of Dutch masters which lit up the Rossoneri in the late 80s and early 90s, scoring 128 goals in 205 appearances for AC. Nicknamed the ‘Swan of Utrecht’ for his elegance and intelligent attacking play, Van Basten had great vision and athleticism, allied to a deadly approach in front of goal.
Striker: Ronaldo (Inter)
Injuries restricted him to a fraction under 100 appearances for Inter, but it is definitely worth making an exception to our century rule for a talent like Ronaldo. Labelled a phenomenon due to his amazing pace and power on the ball, the Brazil forward’s direct approach would have any defender on the back foot.
Substitutes: Sebastiano Rossi (Inter), Cafu (AC), Javier Zanetti (Inter), Alessandro Nesta (AC), Gianni Rivera (AC), Clarence Seedorf (AC), Andriy Shevchenko (AC)
Join bwin today and receive up to £20 money back as a FreeBet if your first wager (3+ selections at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater) is a loser! Terms and conditions apply.
