AC Milan will look to close the gap on their derby rivals Inter and keep the Serie A title race alive when the two sides meet at San Siro on Sunday.
With no Champions League commitments to distract them, the Nerazzurri look well placed to take firm control of the title race from here, having already opened up a healthy 10-point lead over second-placed Milan.
While the Rossoneri start as underdogs and are priced at 13/5 (3.6) by bet365 to win the match, Milan can take confidence from the fact that they have already beaten Inter once this season in the reverse fixture.
Milan have lost just once in their last 12 matches across all competitions and head into this clash on the back of a comfortable 2-0 win over Cremonese. Confidence should therefore not be an issue, and the Rossoneri can also draw motivation from the fact that they have avoided defeat in their last six meetings with their city rivals.
Can Rafael Leao inspire AC Milan to victory?
Four of the last six meetings between these two sides have produced fewer than three goals, suggesting another tight and tactical contest could be on the cards on Sunday.
Derby matches often bring the best out of attacking players, and Milan will hope that Rafael Leao can once again rise to the occasion.
Leao scored eight Serie A goals last season and has already surpassed that tally in the current campaign with nine goals so far.
The 26-year-old forward has been in impressive form recently, scoring twice in his last three matches, and bet365 therefore offers odds of 4/5 (1.8) on either Leao or Marcus Thuram to score anytime, implying a 55.6% probability of success.
Rafael Leao’s record against Inter
Leao has never been a prolific goalscorer, but he offers much more to Milan’s attack with his pace, dribbling ability and knack for producing moments of brilliance in big games.
The Portugal international has scored three goals in his career against Inter, including a memorable brace in Milan’s 3-2 victory over their rivals during the 2022-23 season.
Leao is priced at 21/10 (3.1) by bet365 to score against Inter on Sunday, which could represent solid value given his recent form.
He has also registered four assists against the Nerazzurri, and bet365 offers odds of 4/1 (5.0) for him to set up a goal this weekend.
Massimiliano Allegri has used Leao primarily as a striker this season, a role that appears to have brought out the best in him.
Milan supporters will be hoping he can reach double figures in Serie A by delivering another virtuoso performance against their fiercest rivals on Sunday.
