Milan Derby: Lautaro and Leao lead their teams into the clash

Two leaders, two paths: Lautaro Martinez resurging for Inter Milan and Rafael Leao aiming to become the true face of the Rossoneri

The newspaper recounts the Milan derby starting from the two leaders: the Argentine who has rediscovered his scoring touch and Leao, who wants to become the Rossoneri’s leading face.

Some compare Calhanoglu to Modric. Others instead have placed two leaders side-by-side: Lautaro Martinez for Inter Milan and Rafael Leao for AC Milan. The daily La Repubblica via Fcinter1908 presents its analysis ahead of the Derby della Madonnina.

Twenty-one derbies for both: the Argentine has won 11 and has scored 9 goals so far, while Leao has won 6 and scored 3 goals in matches between the two Milanese sides.

Leao’s new centrality and Lautaro’s record-chasing mission

The Argentine returned to Appiano Gentile earlier than usual after travelling with the Argentina National Team. 

He went with Scaloni’s squad all the way to Angola, scored, provided an assist, and then returned to Inter Milan. Before leaving, he had scored in the Champions League and also against Lazio, in the match that put Chivu’s team back on top of the table. He aims to overtake Sandro Mazzola in the ranking of Inter Milan’s all-time top scorers. 

His goal against Lazio was his 161st, meaning that already in the next match he could reach fourth place. Ahead of him on the podium are Boninsegna (171 total goals in the Nerazzurri shirt), Altobelli (209), and Meazza (284).

Alongside him in the match against the Rossoneri should be Thuram, though the possibility of Bonny starting is not ruled out.

As for the Rossoneri, “The one who is always asked to prove something is Leao. Once reserved, he now wants to feel like the face of the Devil. Especially in the derby. 

His last goal against Inter Milan dates back to September 16, 2023, but it serves as a reminder of a humiliating 5–1 defeat. That was Pioli’s AC Milan, entangled in a negative run against their cousins that was interrupted last season. Today the script is different. AC Milan are third in the table and unbeaten since their opener against Cremonese on August 23. 

On Sunday he will play as a striker next to Pulisic: for them, the attack pair designated at the start of the season, it will be the first time starting together in the league.”

“The new Leao is at the center of the project, pampered and closely followed by Allegri, who appreciates his meticulous approach to nutrition and physical recovery. Rafa feels good in AC Milan and is ready to resume talks for his renewal. Galatasaray want him in January, but his father-agent says he has no intention of moving: his priority is to become the face of the Devil. Starting Sunday,” concludes the newspaper.