Zlatan has eight goals against Inter. Can he add to that record on Sunday?

Adam Salisbury
19 February 2021

Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal, Milan Derby 2020

Having played in both sides of this match-up, Zlatan Ibrahimovic knows more than most about the pressures of playing for both AC and Inter Milan against their biggest rivals.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will contest his 15th Milan derby when the two old and proud clubs meet once again on Sunday.

Ibra has represented both clubs in this famous old derby, but he finds himself playing for the red side of Milan as he enjoys a renaissance in the latter years of his career.

The Derby della Madonnina has been contested 173 times in Serie A; Inter Milan have claimed bragging rights 74 times, whereas AC Milan have won 63 times. There have been 58 draws.

Rossoneri's top goalscorer this season will be hoping he can help to bridge the gap in terms of derby day success come Sunday afternoon.

Let's poke our nose through the stats.

Stat Attack

The Swedish hero has scored 10 goals in the Milan derby; eight of which for his current residence, and two for Sunday's 'away team'.

He has bagged 14 goals so far this season, sitting joint-third on the list of Serie A goalscorers. Only Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo have more so far this campaign.

The two Milan clubs have skipped a little way clear of their closest pursuers in the league, with Inter boasting a one-point lead at the summit of Italy's top division.

In the 173 previous league fixtures between the two Italian giants, the blue side of Milan average 1.4 goals in this fixture, whereas their bitter rivals average 1.29 goals per game.

Memorable Matches

Inter Milan 2-1 AC Milan

26 January 2021

Coppa Italia quarter-final

zlatan ibrahimovic romelu lukaku ac milan inter coppa italia 2021

The latest staging of the Milan derby, where things quickly went from bad to worse for Ibrahimovic.

The former Manchester United striker gave the visitors the lead on the half-hour mark when AC's number 11 struck the ball hard and low and in off the post.

The Swede saw red shortly after the break for a second bookable offence; a professional foul on former Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov.

After that moment, the hosts began to take command, and they were awarded a penalty after 71 minutes with the aid of VAR. Rafael Leao swiped Nicolo Barella's legs away from him, and Lukaku clattered the penalty in off the bar.

Christian Eriksen's inch-perfect free-kick from 20 yards in the seventh minute of stoppage time won the game for Inter, and knocked the five-time Coppa Italia winners out of the competition.

Inter Milan 1-2 AC Milan

17 September 2020

Serie A

On this occasion, there was a happy ending for Ibrahimovic, who played a vital role in his side's victory.

It was Sweden's all-time top goalscorer who won a penalty after 12 minutes, after he was taken out by Kolarov.

Ibra's spot-kick was initially saved by Samir Handanovic, but the keeper's effort could only drop at the feet of Ibrahimovic who gratefully finished the rebound.

The six-foot-five striker had a brace four minutes later, easily tapping home Leao's perfect cross.

Lukaku offered the hosts a lifeline after 28 minutes, tapping home from close range.

The referee pointed to the spot in the second half, after Lukaku was adjudged to have been brought down by Gianluigi Donnarumma, but after consulting with VAR, the decision was overturned, after it found that the striker was offside.

AC Milan held firm to claim a famous victory, and will be looking to complete the double over Inter this season.

Inter Milan 4-2 AC Milan

9 February 2020

Serie A

A game that was seemingly in the hands of the team in red and black which took a wicked turn in the second half.

Both sides had chances before AC took the lead after 40 minutes. Ante Rebic was on hand to tap into an empty net after Ibrahimovic's knock down avoided the clutches of Daniele Padelli.

AC Milan went into the break with their tails up, after their star striker doubled their lead in stoppage time. Milan's number 21 nodded home Leao's flick-on from a corner.

Inter came out roaring after the break, and soon had a goal back. Marcelo Brozovic sensationally volleyed home from 20 yards.

Three minutes later, the game was level. Alexis Sanchez got in behind the AC defence, and laid it off for Matias Vecino to fire home.

The 30-time champions of Italy took the lead after 70 minutes, Stefan de Vrij produced a fabulous header from Antonio Candreva's corner to send the San Siro crowd into raptures.

Lukaku put the cherry on the derby day cake, heading home from six yards in injury time.

AC Milan went on to finish sixth in the league, with Juventus winning the league.