Anticipation Builds for the Perth Derby: A New Season Dawns for Milanese Giants
Pre-Season Showdown Down Under: Milanese Rivals Clash in Australia
The stage is set for the opening Derby della Madonnina of the 2026-27 campaign, with AC Milan and Inter Milan announcing their respective starting XIs for a friendly match in Perth, Australia. This highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 BST (19:00 local time).
Milan's Strategic Blend of Youth and Experience
Under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, AC Milan's lineup for this pre-season test against their Nerazzurri rivals showcases a deliberate mix of seasoned professionals and promising young players. Notably, several first-team regulars, including Mike Maignan and Christian Pulisic, are absent, having been granted extended breaks following their World Cup duties. This situation provides invaluable opportunities for rising stars like goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani, midfielder Yunus Musah, and forwards Alphadjo Cisse and Francesco Camarda to impress. Record signing Goncalo Ramos, along with established talents such as Rafael Leao, Luka Modric, and Alexis Saelemaekers, are among the substitutes, ready to make an impact if called upon.
Inter's Balanced Squad Features Familiar Faces and Emerging Strikers
Inter Milan's squad for the derby features a familiar core of experienced players, including Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco, and Nicolo Barella, who will anchor the team. In a strategic move to foster young talent, coach Cristian Chivu has opted for a youthful attacking partnership, with Pio Esposito and 18-year-old Jamal Iddrissou leading the line. While key forwards Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram are not part of the matchday squad, Inter otherwise boasts a full complement of players, allowing Chivu ample options for tactical flexibility.
Official Lineups for the Milan Derby
The confirmed starting elevens provide a clear picture of how both Milanese clubs intend to approach this early-season test. Fans can expect a dynamic contest as both teams aim to fine-tune their strategies and integrate new talents ahead of the competitive season.
AC Milan's Starting XI and Substitutes
AC Milan will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. The defense features Torriani in goal, protected by Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic. The midfield comprises Chukwueze, Fofana, Musah, and Bartesaghi. Loftus-Cheek and Cisse will support striker Camarda. The substitute bench includes Pittarella, Bouyer, Estupinan, De Winter, Ramos, Leao, Diawara, Modric, Nkunku, Comotto, Jashari, Vladimirov, Terracciano, and Saelemaekers.
Inter Milan's Starting XI and Substitutes
Inter Milan will employ a 3-5-2 system, with J. Martinez between the posts. Pavard, Bisseck, and Bastoni form the defensive trio. The midfield engine room consists of Diouf, Barella, Stankovic, Zielinski, and Dimarco. Upfront, Iddrissou and Esposito will lead the attack. Inter's strong bench features Di Gennaro, Provedel, Farronato, Sucic, L. Henrique, Bonny, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, C. Augusto, Bovio, Mosconi, Lavelli, Marello, Maye, and Topalovic.
