The Derby della Madonnina isn't just another match—it’s a seismic event in Italian football. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, San Siro in Milan, the city’s two giants—Inter and Milan—will clash for the 250th time in history. Kickoff is set for 8:45 p.m. local time, with global fans tuning in between 00:45 and 06:00 UTC. This isn’t just a clash of tactics or star power. It’s the first derby where both clubs are full co-owners of the stadium, a milestone described by Beppe Marotta, Inter’s president, as “epocal.” And with Inter leading Serie A with 24 points and Milan hot on their heels at 22, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Derby Like No Other
For decades, San Siro was a neutral ground—shared, but never truly owned by both. That changed in 2024, when Inter and Milan finalized their joint ownership structure. Now, every ticket sold, every commercial deal signed, every euro from premium seating flows through a shared ledger. The financial implications are staggering. Marotta revealed during the Sport Industry Talk - L'economia dello sport that Inter earns €81 million annually from the stadium, Milan €87 million. Compare that to Real Madrid’s projected €500 million from the Bernabéu, and you see why this match feels like a turning point—not just for bragging rights, but for economic survival.
“We’re not just competing for points,” Marotta said. “We’re competing for the future of Italian football.”
The Numbers Behind the Rivalry
History weighs heavy here. Before this match, the two clubs have met 241 times across all competitions. Inter holds a slight edge: 91 wins to Milan’s 81, with 69 draws. In Serie A alone, Inter has triumphed 70 times in 181 meetings. But recent history favors the Rossoneri. Just days before this fixture, on November 24, 2025, Milan edged Inter 1-0 in their last meeting, thanks to a clinical finish from Pulisic and a masterclass from goalkeeper Maignan. That win snapped Inter’s three-game winning streak in derbies.
Yet, form tells another story. Inter, under coach Chivu, has been ruthlessly consistent in “must-win” games. They’ve dropped only one point in their last five matches where three were required. Milan, by contrast, has struggled against mid-table sides—losing twice in November—but has won every single head-to-head against top-four opponents this season. As Sempre Milan put it: “UN MILAN PIÙ FORTE NEI BIG MATCH FIN QUI.”
Scudetto or Bust
A win for Inter would stretch their lead to five points—a psychological blow that could derail Milan’s title hopes. A Milan victory? That flips the table. Not only would they leapfrog Inter into first, but it would be their first league lead since March. The Gazzetta dello Sport called it “Timeless. The magic of the Scudetto-worthy derby has returned.”
Key players will decide it. For Inter, Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram have combined for 17 league goals. For Milan, Rafael Leão is on fire—five goals and three assists in his last four games—and Pulisic thrives under pressure. The midfield battle between Brolin and Barella could be the difference.
More Than Football
This isn’t just about trophies. The Derby della Madonnina is a cultural fault line. One club, Inter, represents the working-class, immigrant roots of northern Milan. The other, Milan, carries the legacy of industrial wealth and aristocratic tradition. They share a stadium, but not a soul. As Forza Italian Football notes, it’s “radicated not only in sport, but in identity, class, and ideology.”
And then there’s the stadium itself. San Siro, built in 1926, is a relic. Its aging infrastructure, though still majestic, can’t compete with modern European arenas. The joint ownership model is a lifeline—a way to fund renovations without either club going broke. This derby, then, is the first test of that new era. Will the fans embrace the shared ownership? Or will the rivalry deepen the divide?
What’s Next?
If Inter wins, expect a surge in stadium investment talks—Marotta has already hinted at a €300 million upgrade plan by 2027. If Milan wins, expect their owners to push harder for full control of commercial rights. Either way, the next 12 months will define the financial future of both clubs. And with the 2026 World Cup coming to Italy, San Siro’s renovation isn’t optional—it’s essential.
One thing’s certain: no matter the score, this derby will echo for years. Not just in the standings, but in the soul of Milan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this derby historically significant beyond the standings?
This is the first time both Inter and Milan have entered a derby as full co-owners of San Siro, marking a radical shift in Italian football economics. Historically, shared stadiums were temporary arrangements; now, it’s a permanent structural alliance. The match symbolizes a new era where financial survival and competitive success are intertwined, setting a precedent for other European clubs facing similar infrastructure crises.
How do the financial figures from San Siro compare to other European clubs?
Inter and Milan each earn between €81–87 million annually from San Siro, a fraction of what top European clubs make. Real Madrid projected €500 million from the Bernabéu after its 2024 renovation, while Manchester United earns over €120 million from Old Trafford. Italy’s clubs lag behind due to aging infrastructure and outdated commercial models. This derby is a pressure test for whether joint ownership can close that gap.
What’s the record for most derby wins between Inter and Milan?
In all competitions, Inter leads with 91 wins to Milan’s 81, with 69 draws. In Serie A alone, Inter has won 70 of the 181 meetings. However, Milan has dominated recent derbies, winning five of the last eight. The 2024-25 season saw Milan win the last meeting 1-0, ending Inter’s three-game derby winning streak and shifting momentum heading into this clash.
How did the Calciopoli scandal affect the rivalry?
While Calciopoli directly impacted Milan in 2006—leading to a points deduction and a loss of the 2005-06 title—it didn’t alter the derby’s balance long-term. Inter benefited from the fallout, winning three consecutive titles from 2005 to 2008. But Milan’s resurgence under Allegri in 2022 and 2024 showed the rivalry’s resilience. The scandal didn’t create the divide—it just intensified it.
Who are the key players to watch in this derby?
For Inter, Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram have combined for 17 league goals and are lethal in transition. For Milan, Rafael Leão’s pace and dribbling break defenses, while Pulisic has become the ultimate big-game player—scoring in three of the last four derbies. Midfielders Barella and Brolin will control tempo, and goalkeepers Onana and Maignan could be the difference-makers in tight moments.
What happens to San Siro after this match?
The result of this derby will heavily influence funding decisions for San Siro’s renovation. A decisive Inter win could accelerate Marotta’s €300 million upgrade plan, while a Milan triumph may push their owners to demand greater commercial control. Either way, the stadium’s future—whether modernized, privatized, or restructured—is now tied to the outcome of this game.
