Inter Milan head into the derby showdown with AC Milan looking to ensure that they remain within touching distance of Serie A leaders Juventus.
Meanwhile, Milan's recent resurgence means that they are now contenders for sixth position - a spot which Stefano Piolo would love to achieve while derailing the title ambitions of their fierce rivals.
Match preview
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While Antonio Conte would have been disappointed that his side failed to take advantage of being top of the table, the Inter head coach will equally feel content that they remain within three points of top spot.
The defeat for Juventus at Napoli highlighted that Maurizio Sarri's squad were also susceptible to pressure, a development which potentially acted as the catalyst for Inter to see off Udinese last weekend.
The second-half double from Romelu Lukaku ensured that Inter ended a run of three successive 1-1 draws ahead of a run of games which sees them face Milan, Lazio and Juve by March 1.
With the Champions League also on the agenda, the next month is a pivotal period for a club as they bid to reclaim their spot among the upper echelon of the sport.
Having added the likes of Ashley Young, Victor Moses and Christian Eriksen to his group of players, however, Conte will be confident that he now has the strength in depth to compete on all fronts.
There is an argument that Inter are no longer the clear favourites to prevail in this contest, with Milan having been superb since the turn of the year.
Five wins and two draws have been registered in all competitions, keeping Piolo's men in the hunt for a top-six spot and the Coppa Italia.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made a significant impact both on and off the pitch, inspiring many of Milan's attack-minded players to get in on the act in the final third.
While the backline has not always been as tight, Piolo will accept that the momentum which has been generated ahead of their biggest game of the season could prove to be the decisive factor.
Milan are also motivated in their search of a first league win over their neighbours since a 3-0 success back in January 2016.
Inter Milan Serie A form: WWDDDW
Inter Milan form (all competitions): DWDDWW
AC Milan Serie A form: LDWWWD
AC Milan form (all competitions): WWWWWD
Team News
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With Lautaro Martinez serving a suspension, Alexis Sanchez is in line to start alongside former Manchester United teammate Lukaku in attack.
Antonio Candreva is expected to come back into the team at right wing-back, leaving Conte with a choice between Young and Moses on the opposite flank.
Goalkeeper Daniele Padelli will continue between the sticks as a result of Samir Handanovic's finger injury.
Milan boss Piolo will hand a recall to Ibrahimovic, with the Swede missing out last weekend due to illness.
Ismael Bennacer is also expected to feature in the first XI after completing a ban.
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Padelli; Godin, De Vrij, Skriniar; Candreva, Barella, Brozovic, Eriksen, Young; Sanchez, Lukaku
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjaer, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Castillejo, Kessie, Bennacer, Calhanoglu; Leao, Ibrahimovic
We say: Inter Milan 2-1 AC Milan
This has all the makings of one of the best Milan derbies in recent years, with Milan looking a different side since the arrival of Ibrahimovic. However, Inter are a well-oiled machine, and we are backing them to edge out their neighbours by the odd goal in three.
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