Italian football has a number of hostile rivalries but perhaps none are more ferocious as the Milan derby, Derby da Milano, that sees Inter Milan and AC Milan contest dominance in one of Italy’s biggest cities.
Once upon a time, Milan was only represented by one side but when that team split over an issue regarding the signing of foreign players, Inter Milan were founded in 1908 with the first derby coming the following year where AC were 3-2 winners.
Since then, both sides have enjoyed enormous success in Italy and Europe, and they are without any doubt two of the world’s biggest club sides with global reputations.
Origins and Early Encounters
Following the formation of Inter at the beginning of the 20th century, Milan had two football sides who were intent on dominating the Italian footballing landscape.
Their first meeting in 1909 saw Milan exert their dominance but yhe power would shift several times over the next century as both sides often competed for the biggest trophies available in Italy and on the continent.
The teams would play each other in a variety of competitions in their early years, but when the first Italian league was developed in 1926, two fixtures between the teams each season became a regular occurrence.
Throughout the 1960s, both sides enjoyed success at home and abroad with Milan winning the European Cup in 1963 before their city rivals replicated that honour with successive European Cups in the following two years.
That era of Italian football would lay a platform for both sides to enhance their profile in a huge manner and both sides have been competing for football’s biggest honours ever since.
Memorable Moments, Highlights and Iconic Matches
In November 1949, the teams played a memorable ebcounter that featured 11 goals and was decided by Inter’s extra firepower. The fixture between the teams is fondly remembered but both sides have played their part in delivering more classic matches since.
In 1965, Inter, Europe’s premier side, demonstrated just how good they were by handing their neighbours a 5-2 drubbing. The result helped Milan receive local pride before they pushed on to win their second European Cup later that season.
In the modern era, Milan’s 6-0 win over Inter in 2001 was tough for blue and black side of the city to take. Andriy Shevchenko was in terrific form, and he helped himself to two goals as Milan ran out winners in brutal fashion.
Rivalry Beyond the Pitch – Cultural Impact
Unlike other local rivalries around the world that focus on religion and politics, the Milan derby is a fixture built on being the best and competing for the biggest honours available.
Although the clubs currently share the legendary San Siro stadium, the fact they’re operating from the same building doesn’t take away the emotion that is ungrained in the fixture.
Italian football in the modern era has been built on the Milan derby with several of the world’s best players turning out for both sides. The fixture is a must-see event and fans of football from all over the world have this game on their bucket list.
Legendary Players – Icons of the Milan Derby
Andriy Shevchenko played his part in the Milan derby and the Ukrainian striker leads the way with goals in the fixture with 14.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish wizard, played for both Milan sides and he contributed for both teams as he knocked up 10 goals with 8 of them coming for AC Milan.
Lautaro Martinez will have his eye on Shevchenko’s target as the current Inter forward has 8 goals in the fixture.
In terms of appearances, the legendary Paolo Maldini is out on his own with 56 outings, all for Milan, with Javier Zanetti, Inter’s consistent full back in second place with 48.
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku scored in five consecutive derbies from 2019-2021 and that is the record for the longest goalscoring streak in the fixture.
Recent Encounters – Shaping the Modern Narrative
High stakes are always on the line in the modern era and the pair even went at it in the Champions League semi-finals in 2023. Inter were the winners but they were beaten in the final against Manchester City.
In 2005, the teams also met in the Champions League, but it was Milan who were victorious on this occasion as they eliminated Inter before losing to Liverpool in a memorable final.
In recent years, Inter have had the upper hand in the fixture with Milan’s last victory coming in 2022. Across three competitions, Inter have won the last five fixtures up until the end of 2023.
Milan will be confident they can stop the rot as history tells that these two outstanding sides will often trade glory with each other.
What are AC Milan and Inter Milan Fan Tokens
A Socios.com Fan Token is a digital asset that transforms your passion into rewards. As a Fan Token holder, you have the potential to access once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive benefits, and other perks for being what you’ve always been – a passionate fan. Fan Tokens empower you to vote in official team polls, predict results, check-in for games, play games, choose your favourite players and more while generating reward points that lead to extraordinary Fan Rewards.
AC Milan and Inter Milan Fan Tokens Holder Benefits & Rewards
Fan Tokens empower you to reward your passion. Think of unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like meeting the players, re-creating classic goals or even being a part of matchday in novel and exciting ways. You can win matchday tickets, VIP seats, behind-the-scenes access and more with your club Fan Tokens.
Score Incredible Fan Rewards
Fans earn Fan Rewards by engaging with the team on the Socios.com app. Each time you predict and check into matches, play in-app games or vote in polls, you’ll score points. These points tally and enable you to get SSU. SSU are your in-app loyalty tokens, and you’ll trade these in for Fan Rewards.
Fan Tokens have enabled fans to travel with the first team, win unique match used merchandize and even enjoy VIP matchday experiences with team legends. Are you ready to get rewarded for your loyalty?
Vote In Polls and Make Your Mark on AC Milan and Inter Milan
Perhaps one of the most commonly used features on the Socios.com app is the voting system. Your Fan Tokens give you a say in your club. You’ll be able to pick shirt designs, stadium murals, official team merch and more. Whenever you use Fan Tokens, you always get to keep them, so keep impacting your side with your Fan Tokens.
Engage with AC Milan and Inter Milan for Experience and Leaderboard Points
Use your Fan Tokens to score XP and LP on the Socios.com app. XP are experience points, gained every time you level up. LP are leaderboard points, and these stack in Team Leaderboards. Here, you’ll compete with fellow fans to win huge prizes when you rank at the end of the season!
Score points each time you:
- · Vote in polls
- · Check in to matches – do this each matchday to bag easy points!
- · Predict the score – get maximum points for the perfect score, and score when you guess the outcome too
- · Play in-app games, Freekick challenge and Pop & Swap.
How To Buy AC Milan and Inter Milan Fan Tokens
Download the Socios.com app and follow these three steps to get your first Sevilla Fan Tokens:
- Open the Socios.com app and tap on Wallet.
- Top up your Wallet with our in-app currency, Chiliz ($CHZ)
- Tap on Sports, tap on All Teams and then hit Football to filter out football teams. Then search for Inter Milan or AC Milan and get your Fan Tokens using the $CHZ you just bought.
