Inter Milan take on archrivals AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina at San Siro, with just one point separating the two teams in the Serie A table. However, this time the spotlight will be on the free-scoring Mario Balotelli, Rossoneri's January signing, who makes a long-awaited return to the Milan derby.

Mario Balotelli
Reuters

The former Manchester City hitman, who spent four years with the Nerazzurri before his spell in England, is expected to receive a hostile reception from the blue half of Milan.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 7.45pm GMT, with ESPN UK and ESPN UK HD providing live coverage.

Overview

The Milan derby is one of the most highly charged matches in club football. However, with an automatic Champions League qualification spot also at stake, combined with the ever-controversial Balotelli's involvement, fireworks are expected at San Siro this time.

Inter are fifth in the league table but only a point behind their third-placed derby rivals. Andrea Stramaccioni's men have been in a poor domestic form of late, with just two wins in their last nine Serie A outings. Milan, on the other hand, have put on a spectacular run since the end of November, winning nine out their 12 league matches. They are also unbeaten this year as five victories and a draw lifted them to third place at the expense of their rivals.

AC Milan beat Barcelona 2-0 in midweek
Reuters

Both clubs enter the derby after posting impressive wins in Europe in midweek. The Nerazzurri beat Romanian champions CFR Cluj 3-0 in Transylvania in the Europa League Round of 32 to wrap up the tie 5-0 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri's side will undoubtedly have more reasons to feel confident as goals from former Premier League fringe players Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari helped them outplay tournament favourites Barcelona 2-0 at San Siro, in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Inter registered a 1-0 triumph in the reverse fixture in October, courtesy of a diving header from defender Walter Samuel.

Form Guide

Inter Milan

  • Last Five Games (all competitions, most recent first): W L W W L
  • Last Match: CFR Cluj 0 - 3 Inter Milan

AC Milan

  • Last Five Games (all competitions, most recent first): W W D W W
  • Last Match: AC Milan 2 - 0 Barcelona
Former AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano will lead Inter Milan's attack
Reuters

Team News

Inter Milan: Centre-back Andrea Ranocchia, who had pulled up against Cluj, is not expected to feature, while wing-back Alvaro Pereira will serve a one-match suspension. Stramaccioni will also be without striker Diego Milito, who was recently ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Probable Line-up (4-4-2): Handanovic; Zanetti, Juan, Chivu, Nagatomo; Guarin, Cambiasso, Kovacic, Alvazrez; Palacio, Cassano

AC Milan: Midfielder Antonio Nocerino returns to contention after missing out against Barcelona. Forward Giampaolo Pazzini had suffered a knee injury in that game but will have to make way for Balotelli, even if he proves his fitness. Anchormen Nigel de Jong and Mathieu Flamini remain sidelined.

Probable Line-up (4-3-3): Abbiati; Abate, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Montolivo, Ambrosini, Muntari; Boateng, Balotelli, El Shaarawy