Derby della Madonnina
The historic cross-town rivalry between Inter Milan and AC Milan, played at the San Siro.
The Derby della Madonnina, also known as the Derby di Milano, is a derby football match between Inter Milan and AC Milan. Both clubs are among the most successful in Italian football history.
Quick Facts
- First played
- 1908
- Stadium
- San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza)
- City
- Milan, Italy
- Rivalry type
- Intra-city Derby
- Cultural symbol
- Madonnina Statue
Lore & Background
In the past, Inter was seen as the club of the Milan bourgeoisie (nicknamed 'bauscia', a Milanese term meaning 'braggart'), whereas Milan was supported mainly by the working class (nicknamed 'casciavit', meaning 'screwdriver', with reference to the blue-collar worker). Because of their more prosperous ancestry, Inter fans had the 'luxury' to go to the San Siro stadium by motorcycle. On the other hand, the 'casciavit' were also known as 'tramvai' or 'tramvier' (i.e. able to be transferred to the stadium only by 'tram', or public transport). Today, this socioeconomic divide has largely been mitigated and preference for either club is personal or familial.
Reader's Guide
Taking place at least twice during the year via the league fixtures, this cross-town rivalry has extended to the Coppa Italia, Champions League, and Supercoppa Italiana, as well as minor tournaments and friendlies. It is one of the two major crosstown derbies in association football that are always played in the same stadium, in this case the San Siro, as both Inter and AC Milan call San Siro 'home', the other derby being Derby della Capitale. Though both clubs share this stadium, Inter ultras traditionally occupy the stadium’s northern end (Curva Nord) while Milan ultras occupy the southern end (Curva Sud).
Did You Know?
- The first derby match was held on 18 October 1908 in the final of the Chiasso Cup in Switzerland; AC Milan won 2–1.
- Inter won the first Serie A title in 1929–30.
- Between 1928 and 1938 there were 10 victories for Inter, 7 draws and none for AC Milan, the longest period without a win in the history of the derby.
- The derby did not take place in 1980–1981 and 1982–1983 in Serie A due to AC Milan's double relegation to Serie B.
- The two clubs met in the semi-finals of the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League, their first ever European matches against one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Derby della Madonnina?
This fixture is the intense intra-city rivalry between Inter Milan and AC Milan, named after the golden statue of the Virgin Mary atop the Duomo. It represents a battle for the identity of Milan rather than just a standard football match.
Where do both teams play their derby matches?
Both clubs share the San Siro stadium, officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, located in Milan. This unique arrangement means neither side has a traditional home advantage during this specific contest.
When did the rivalry first begin?
The inaugural match between the two giants took place in 1908, following Inter's founding as a breakaway from AC Milan. This history makes it one of the oldest and most scrutinized derbies worldwide.
How does this rivalry differ from other derbies?
Unlike rivalries born from geography or class, this contest is defined by two teams sharing the exact same stadium and city without territorial separation. It stands as a singular example of football history where one ground hosts two eternal enemies.
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