Judging on the first meeting and with the stakes so high, both sides will look to keep things tight and avoid making any costly errors that could jeopardise their hopes of reaching the Final.

Milan’s struggles to score goals has been a major headache for Stefano Pioli in recent weeks, as their inability to find the back of the net consistently has come at the worst possible time.

Inter have overcome their own little stutter and look in good form, and while this will undoubtedly be a hard-fought and physical game, it could be Simone Inzaghi’s side who prevail but with very little to split the two teams.

With that in mind, we can’t ignore the odds of 7/2 – available with Bet365 – for an Inter win and under 2.5 goals.

After being held to consecutive draws prior to the international break, which at the time seemingly looked as though it could cost them the Serie A title, Inter have been brilliant since coming back.

A huge win over Juventus in Turin was followed by a comfortable victory over Verona, and so they look as though they’re back in the swing of things and look dangerous.

That said, there is still the threat of a slip-up in them, and as we dive deeper into the business end of the season, the pressure will be on them to now finish strong and get the better of their rivals.

While Milan have been excellent defensively in recent weeks, their problems at the other end of the pitch have been a real issue.

Stefano Pioli’s side went through a spell of just three goals scored in six games, and that is simply not enough for a side looking to compete for silverware this season and with such little margin for error available to them.

Pioli will be desperate to have as close to a fully-fit squad available, particularly with his options in attack in case those he starts struggle yet again. While they have plenty of quality and determination in this side, their lack of cutting edge and creativity in the attacking third could be their downfall once more.

In their previous seven encounters, Milan have picked up two wins, Inter have emerged victorious on three occasions while there have been two draws.

The margin of victory has largely been very close in those outings, with three games being decided by just one goal.

That is a pattern that could be extended in this game, as while both sides have had their stumbles and struggles in recent months, they will both be looking for their best level of performance and that sets up an intriguing showdown.

The San Siro remains one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, and while at full capacity it holds up to 80,000, it makes for a special setting for such a grand occasion.

While there’s little doubt that the stadium will be packed, it promises to create a special atmosphere, just as any Derby della Madonnina does, be it a cup night or a Serie A clash.

With Milan fans turning up in their numbers too, it should create a lively reception for both sets of players, for what will hopefully be a high-intensity and high-paced meeting.

There’s so little to split these two sides as they have been in a fierce battle for the Serie A title this season too, and that looks set to go down to the wire.

Milan’s defensive solidity hasn’t been matched by quality in the final third, and their struggle for goals will be a real concern for them heading into this game.

That’s why Inter could just edge it, in what is expected to be a low-scoring and hard-fought scrap between the two Milan giants.