Inter Milan vs AC Milan: 3 Players to watch out for in the Milan Derby | Serie A 2019-20

The buzzing atmosphere of a derby day would return to the stands of San Siro when Internazionale host their arch-rival AC Milan this Sunday.

The thing that makes the match a must-watch for the football devotees around the world is that neither teams have lost any of their last five matches in the respective competition.

While Inter are striving to find their past glory by challenging for this season's Scudetto under the management of Antonio Conte, AC Milan are struggling to get themselves back on track after an abysmal start to the season.

According to many, Milan derby has lost a bit of its past glory. However, it is safe to say that the latest inclusion of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan), Ashley Young (Inter), and Christian Eriksen (Inter) would attract neutral fans to a certain extent.

Not only do the teams rely on individual flashes of brilliance, but they need to showcase proper team-work to get something positive out of a game of this magnitude.

In this piece, let us take a look at those three big names who could play pivotal roles for their respective sides.

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#3 Milan Škriniar (Inter Milan)

Milan Skriniar will be pivotal for FC Internazionale's defence

When we talk about the best defenders of the modern era, the name of Milan Skriniar always comes to mind.

Since he joined the Milan club back in 2017 from Sampdoria, the Slovakian international has done a decent job. His defensive attributes have always caught the eyes of rival managers.

Since he has started playing well in Inter's colours, there has not been any transfer window where Skriniar has not been linked with a move away from Inter.

This season, Inter have got the best defensive record in the Serie A so far, conceding only 18 goals from 22 matches. Hence, Skriniar deserves some credit for showcasing outstanding defensive qualities while playing in a three-man defence.

Inter Milan are in the hunt for their first league title since 2009-10 season. As per current standings, Antonio Conte's side are only three points behind the reigning Serie A champions, Juventus. Therefore, every match is a do-or-die one for the Nerazzurri.

When we take a look at Milan's roster, we find that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could prove to be an aerial threat for Skriniar and his fellow defenders. As the 24-year-old has a better record while defending in the air, there is a high probability that the fans would see a healthy competition between Skriniar and Ibrahimovic on Sunday.

#2 Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan)

Romelu Lukakau has been a great summer addition to this Conte's side

Since Romelu Lukaku left Manchester United for Inter Milan last summer, he looks like a different animal inside the opposition box. Lukaku's overwhelming stats in Serie A 2019-20 are the reasons why he is considered as one of the deadliest strikers in the world at the moment.

There was never a doubt over his physical strength or work-rate or shooting accuracy during his time at Manchester United, but his first touch on the ball was something for what he got a lot of stick both from fans and reputed football pundits.

Since joining Conte's side, it seems like he has worked hard on his first touch, and the result is in front of us. In the 2019-20 Serie A season, Lukaku has racked up 16 goals and provided two assists.

The top-scorer for Inter and the third highest in Serie A 2019-20 campaign behind Ciro Immobile (25) and Cristiano Ronaldo (19), Lukaku has won 2.9 aerial battles on average and has recorded three shots per game this season.

When AC Milan hosted Inter earlier this season, Lukaku's name was on the scoresheet. On Sunday, Lautaro Martinez would probably be his partner in crime. Now, it remains to be seen how the duo runs the frontline for the hosts.

#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make his return to Milan derby this Sunday

Once Zlatan Ibrahimovic compared himself to a lion and the Swedish international is proving to be just that. He is a player who still feels that spark inside him despite being on the wrong side of the 30s.

When Ibrahimovic joined LA Galaxy after Manchester United released him for free, many would have thought that this was the end of the Swedish international. However, after scoring 22 in this first season and 31 in his second and last season with Los Angles' side, teams from different parts of the world came to sign him last January.

Eventually, Ibrahimovic didn't take too long to make up his mind and joined AC Milan for free from LA Galaxy. Since the veteran joined the Italian side, their overall performance has improved drastically. While talking about his performances, he has made only five appearances and has scored two goals across all competition.

Not only as a player but as a leader, the 38-year-old could prove pivotal for his side this Sunday. If Ibrahimovic uses his vast experience and lethal skillset - which is still intact- to defy his opponents, Inter Milan could be in for a tough afternoon.