The Milan Derby: New boy Balotelli set for decisive role

 

The stakes are high as Mario Balotelli faces his old club in the Milan derby but even though Balo has shed the 'bad boy' image there's bound to be controversy somewhere on the pitch, says Sumeet Paul

 

Inter Milan v AC Milan

Sunday 19:45 GMT

Live on ESPN

 

Fresh from conquering the mighty Barcelona in mid-week, Milan face another big battle at the San Siro when they meet bitter city rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday night.

 

This is a fixture studded with history, prestige and drama, and Sunday night promises to be no different as Mario Balotelli prepares to face his former club in the colours of their foes for the first time.

 

The former Manchester City striker has settled at the club with ease, scoring four goals in his first three games since his return to Italy. Suitably rested after missing the game against the Spaniards, he will certainly play a big part on Sunday night as he continues to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

 

Shedding his 'bad boy' image and displaying a new-found maturity at the club he supported as a youngster, Balotelli will be eager to further endear himself to the red and black half of the city.

 

Adding further spice to the encounter - if it were needed - 'Super Mario' revealed in his official presentation as a Milan player that he would have no qualms about celebrating should he find the net against his former employers.

 

On the other side of the pitch, Antonio Cassano will undoubtedly be just as enthusiastic about scoring on Sunday night as Inter look to leapfrog their rivals for third place.

 

Following his acrimonious split with Milan last summer, Cassano was greeted with great hostility in the first meeting of the season, which was ultimately decided by a Walter Samuel header.

 

However, with Inter being the 'home side' this time round he will hope to inspire them to victory especially given the added responsibility placed on his shoulders through the absence of the injured Diego Milito.

 

There will be key battles scattered all over the pitch, but much will depend on the tactical set-up preferred by Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni with suspensions and injuries potentially forcing his hand. Milan are likely to continue with their 4-3-3 formation, with Stephan El Shaarawy and Mbaye Niang providing the threat down either flank, with the Inter full-backs playing a key role in shutting the Rossoneri out.

 

Despite calls from Massimiliano Allegri and his players to now move on from their win over Barcelona, their tireless performance may well leave them feeling the strain as the game goes on, something Inter will be hoping to take advantage of.

 

In the two games after facing Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals last year, Milan were held by Catania, and beaten by Fiorentina. Susceptible to a fast counter-attack they will fear a repeat of their European hangover, and so will need their midfield trio, which will include key man Riccardo Montolivo, to produce another big performance.

 

As ever there is guaranteed controversy ahead, but led by Balotelli and given their unbeaten start to the calendar year in the league, Milan should have enough left in the tank to maintain their winning ways.

 

No other Milan player has scored since Balotelli's league debut, and he will hope to again be asking "Why always me?" at the full-time whistle, but this time for all the right reasons.

 

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