Derby della Madonnina

Lore & Background

The first derby was held on 18 October 1908 in the final of the Chiasso Cup in Switzerland, won 2–1 by AC Milan. The rivalry has been renewed annually since the 1926–27 season of the Divisione Nazionale. Inter won the first Serie A title in 1929–30. Between 1928 and 1938, Inter had 10 victories, 7 draws, and AC Milan none—the longest period without a win in derby history. In 1951, Milan won its first Serie A title since 1907. In the 1960s, Sandro Mazzola (Inter) and Gianni Rivera (Milan) were key figures. The derby did not take place in 1980–81 and 1982–83 due to AC Milan's relegation to Serie B. Milan's greatest era spanned the late 1980s to mid-2000s, winning four league titles and three European Cups between 1989 and 1998. Inter won the 1988–89 Serie A title with an all-time record points. The clubs met in the 2002–03 Champions League semi-finals (Milan advanced) and the 2004–05 quarter-finals (Milan awarded a 3–0 win after abandonment). Inter's treble came in 2009–10. Milan won the Scudetto in 2010–11. Inter won their 19th title in 2020–21; Milan tied that in the following season. In January 2023, Inter won the Supercoppa Italiana 3–0 against Milan.

In Their Own Story

Step inside the San Siro, and the air feels heavy, charged with the static of a storm waiting to break. On one flank, a sea of red and black surges; on the other, an ocean of blue and black roars in counterpoint. When the referee's whistle cuts through the tension, Milan fractures instantly. A stray ball striking the post triggers a seismic eruption that seems to rattle the very foundations beneath the cathedral's golden statue above.

Reader's Guide

The derby takes place at least twice a year via Serie A fixtures, and also in the Coppa Italia, Champions League, Supercoppa Italiana, and friendlies. Both clubs share the San Siro stadium; Inter ultras occupy the Curva Nord, Milan ultras the Curva Sud.

Did You Know?

• The derby is named after the Madonnina statue on top of Milan Cathedral.
• Inter fans were historically nicknamed 'casciavit' (screwdriver) and Milan fans 'bauscia' (braggart).
• Giuseppe Meazza held the title of top scorer in Milan derbies until 2005.
• The 2004–05 Champions League quarter-final second leg was abandoned due to flares thrown by Inter fans.