AC Milan's biggest rival, without a shadow of a doubt, is Inter Milan. This rivalry, known as the "Derby della Madonnina" or "Milan Derby," isn't just about football; it's a clash of ideologies, history, and city pride that has electrified Milan and the football world for over a century. This is a significant reason why AC Milan and Inter Milan split from the same team in the early 1900s
The two Italian giants, both residing in the iconic San Siro stadium, battling not just for points, but for the very soul of Milan. The derby is named after the statue of the Virgin Mary ("Madonnina") that sits atop the Milan Cathedral, symbolising the city's heart.
You can easily measure the depth of their rivalry between them when these two teams meet in a competitive match, the town splits into red and black for AC Milan and blue and black for Inter Milan, turning every street corner, café, and household into a battleground of colours and passion.
Historically, the rivalry has deep roots. AC Milan was founded in 1899 by English expatriates, and it attracted working-class locals. A few years later, in 1908, a faction that disagreed with the club's policies on signing foreign players broke away to form Internazionale, or Inter Milan, emphasising a more cosmopolitan approach. This ideological split set the stage for a rivalry that goes beyond the pitch.
The derby has seen it all—breathtaking goals, dramatic comebacks, and moments of sheer magic. Who could forget the 2003 Champions League semi-final, where Milan edged out Inter on away goals to reach the final? Or the time when Ronaldo, the Brazilian phenomenon, donned the blue and black of Inter and faced off against Paolo Maldini and the legendary AC Milan defense? Every match is a chapter in a long and storied history filled with legends, from Gianni Rivera and Franco Baresi for AC Milan to Giuseppe Meazza and Javier Zanetti for Inter.
Paulo Maldini vs Ronaldo - The Football peaked here, the rivalry between AC Milan and Inter Milan is so huge and classic that once upon a time people used to tune in to watch this “Milan derby” more than “el-classico of Spain”
Who has won the More Champions League?
When it comes to Europe AC Milan has obliterated Inter Milan with a 7-3 Margin, AC Milan remains the second club to win most Champions League titles after Real Madrid. Given this astonishing feat, we need to remember that AC Milan last won their Champions League back in 2007.
But it's not just the past that fuels this rivalry; it's the present and the future. Every derby is a chance to see these teams at their best, One of the rivalry moments in recent time was the 2023 Champions League semi-final when AC Milan met Inter Milan, however, Inter Milan triumphed in the outcome. It's about the pride of claiming bragging rights in the city of Milan, where winning the derby means everything.
Is Juventus in Second?
After Inter Milan, AC Milan's second biggest rival is Juventus. This rivalry, known as the "Derby d'Italia," represents a clash of titans from Italy's two major cities, Milan and Turin, and it carries a weight of historical, cultural, and competitive significance.
The rivalry between AC Milan and Juventus transcends regional boundaries and becomes a national affair. While the Milan derby is about city supremacy, the matches against Juventus are about asserting dominance over Italian football as a whole. The stakes are always high, as both clubs have been powerhouses in Serie A, often battling for the Scudetto, the top spot in Italian football.
One of the most iconic moments in this rivalry occurred in the 2003 UEFA Champions League final, where AC Milan and Juventus faced off at Old Trafford. After a tense 0-0 draw, AC Milan triumphed in the penalty shootout, securing their sixth European title. This victory was a monumental moment for Milan and further fueled the rivalry.
This rivalry had grown intense recently when Juventus went all out and dominated the Seria A from 2011 with their world-famous BBC trio.
Whereas AC Milan suffered from a financial crisis, debts, a mid-table finish, and even missing out on a crucial Champions League spot many times, AC Milan did become a “fallen giant’ for some years but eventually bounced back and won the Seria A title in 2022.
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