GdS: Milan 'international' as Inter rely on Italian block - the changing squads compared

"The Nerazzurri's side flies the Italian flag. Aside from any changes to the line-up, Chivu's side is preparing to take the field with four Italians as starters (Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella and Esposito). Allegri, however, is expected field a 100% international XI. With Bartesaghi a doubt at the moment and Gabbia injured, the only Azzurri available are Terracciano, Pittarella and Ricci, all of whom are expected to start on the bench."

"It is a far cry from 20 years ago, when the Rossoneri had an Italian block and Inter favoured imported players. It is different times in the league too: last season, Serie A boasted 68% foreign players."

"Twenty years later, the pattern has reversed, because this time Inter have an Italian block. In the first leg of the 2023 Champions League semi-final, won 2-0 by Simone Inzaghi's team, Inter started with Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni, Barella and Dimarco. On the bench were Cordaz, Gagliardini, Bellanova, D'Ambrosio, and Zanotti. Milan had Gabbia and Tonali, with Lapo Nava, Mirante, Gabbia and Pobega available as substitutes."

The upcoming AC Milan versus Inter derby highlights a significant shift in team composition over two decades. Inter will field four Italian starters (Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Esposito), while Milan is expected to deploy a completely international XI, with Italian players Terracciano, Pittarella, and Ricci relegated to the bench. This reversal contrasts sharply with the 2002-03 Champions League semi-finals, when Milan had six Italian starters and Inter had five. The transformation reflects broader changes in Serie A, where foreign players now comprise 68% of the league, compared to the Italian-dominated squads of two decades ago.

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