Who makes an Inter-AC Milan combined XI?

As the Milan derby looms large on Sunday at the San Siro, the nerves of the city’s football faithful will be stretched to breaking point.

This is not just a battle of bitter local rivals: both Inter and AC Milan head into the clash as serious Serie A title contenders, with momentum, ambition and pride all riding on the outcome.

In the spirit of that high-stakes rivalry, DAZN News has combined XI drawn from the best of both squads – a hybrid team that reflects the strength and character of two of Italy’s greatest.

Goalkeeper – Mike Maignan (Milan)

Patrolling the goal for this combined eleven is AC Milan’s own Mike Maignan. Known for his lightning reflexes, commanding presence in the box and steady leadership, Maignan has again proved indispensable for the Rossoneri.

In the 2024-25 season, he kept 15 clean sheets in all competitions, showing his capacity to swing tight matches in his team’s favour. At 30, he combines experience with an ongoing hunger to lead from the back – exactly what this all-star XI needs between the sticks.

Right-back – Denzel Dumfries (Inter)

At right-back, Denzel Dumfries brings his trademark energy and physicality. A constant presence in Inter’s defence, his ability to surge forward, overlap and deliver dangerous crosses makes him a key attacking outlet.

Defensively, his tenacity means he’s as reliable in recovering the ball as he is in creating for others – a modern full-back perfectly suited to this hybrid team.

Centre-back – Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)Getty Images

Anchoring the defence, Alessandro Bastoni provides class and composure. His ability to read the game, drive forward with the ball and bring elegance to Inter’s back line has made him one of Serie A’s most highly regarded defenders.

Bastoni’s presence gives the defence both intelligence and calm under pressure.

Centre-back – Francesco Acerbi (Inter)

Alongside Bastoni sits Francesco Acerbi, the experienced campaigner whose aerial strength, positioning and leadership bring the kind of stoutness that only veteran defenders can offer.

Even as he has aged, Acerbi’s consistency remains notable and his presence ensures that this backline is balanced between youth and wisdom.

Left-back – Federico Dimarco (Inter)

Completing the defensive quartet is Federico Dimarco, whose technical ability, overlapping runs and set-piece delivery make him a genuine threat on the left.

Whether getting forward to join attacks or retreating to defend, Dimarco’s versatility and intelligence are crucial in linking defence and midfield in this all-star setup.

Central Midfielder – Luka Modric (Milan)

A surprise but inspired choice in a deep midfield role is Luka Modric – who only recently left Real Madrid to join AC Milan in the summer of 2025.

Even at 40, his vision, passing range and mastery of tempo make him the perfect metronome to orchestrate this team. With a trophy-laden past at Real, Modric brings not just skill but leadership and calm under duress.

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Central Midfielder – Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter)

Partnering Modric in midfield is Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter’s creative lynchpin. Since arriving in Milan, he has shown an ability to unlock defences with his passing, shoot from range and carry the play forward with intelligence.

His dynamism and vision make him a fitting foil to Modric’s controlled elegance – together they offer craft, drive and creativity.

No. 10 – Christian Pulisic (Milan)

In the attacking midfield slot, Christian Pulisic brings flair, directness and moments of magic. Still relatively young yet experienced at the top level, he has the pace to beat full-backs, the technique to combine in tight spaces and the eye for a key pass.

His presence gives the attack a spark that can break open even the most disciplined defences.Getty

Right Wing – Marcus Thuram (Inter)

Slightly out of position here, Inter’s Marcus Thuram takes up the right flank, offering strength, speed and unpredictability.

His physical gifts, coupled with refined ball control, make him a potent attacking weapon. Whether driving forward with power or drifting to link with the midfield, Thuram adds dynamism and directness to this combined XI.

Left Wing – Rafael Leao (Milan)

On the opposite side, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao embodies raw talent and creative genius. He glides past opponents with elegance, cuts inside with intent and finishes with composure.

As one of Serie A’s brightest attacking players, his flair and goal threat are vital assets in balancing the wide areas of this combined side.

Striker – Lautaro Martinez (Inter)

Leading the line is Inter’s talismanic striker, Lautaro Martinez. A clinical finisher with smart movement, he knows how to find space in the box and turn half-chances into goals.

His partnership with the midfielders and wingers in this combined XI promises fluid attacking interplay, and his instinct in front of goal provides the final cutting edge.

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