Why is Inter vs AC Milan called the Derby della Madoninna?

AC Milan host Inter Milan in Serie A on Monday, knowing that defeat will secure the Italian league championship for their biggest rivals. From the northern city of Milan, both teams count themselves among the most prestigious in the world and matches between the two are always fiercely competitive.

In Italian the fixture is known as the Derby della Madonnina, meaning the ‘Derby of the Little Madonna’.

It takes its name from a statue of the Virgin Mary on the top of Milan’s Duomo Cathedral, which is often referred to as the ‘Madonnina’. The statue is one of the most emblematic sights in the city and it is a key source of civic pride.

The first meeting between Inter and AC Milan came on 10 January 1909 in the Italian Football Championship. That day AC Milan ran out 3–2 winners in the first of 222 matches between the two teams. However, across the 125-year history of the fixture, it is Inter who boast the better record, with 84 wins to AC Milan’s 71.

What is Christian Pulisic’s record against Inter Milan?

USMNT star Christian Pulisic has enjoyed an impressive debut season in Italy. The 25-year-old has contributed 13 goals and eight assists across all competitions, already his best-ever scoring season. However his AC Milan side have been second-best in Italy and currently sit 14 points adrift of league-leading Inter.

In the reverse fixture earlier this season Inter Milan ran out 5-1 winners as Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored twice. Christian Pulisic started for AC Milan but was withdrawn after just 56 minutes with his side already 2-0 down. So far, that’s his only appearance against Inter Milan and he will be eager to get revenge on Monday and delay Inter’s title celebrations for a few more days.

In historical terms there is nothing to choose between the two terms with 19 Scudettos apiece, although Inter will almost certainly pick up that crucial 20th title this season. That will make them the outright second-most successful side in Serie A history, behind only Juventus (36 titles).

However, in continental terms it is AC Milan who boast the best record. They have been crowned European champions on seven occasions - a haul that is second only to Real Madrid’s 14 continental triumphs and far outstrips Inter’s tally of three.