The four players who could decide the first Milan derby of the Serie A season

This weekend brings one of the highlights in the Serie A calendar as Inter meet AC Milan in the first Derby della Madonnina of the season. 

It comes with the Milan rivals part of a cluster of teams at the top of the table, who are separated by just four points, with both sides of the city harbouring title ambitions. 

A win on Sunday would not only give one side local bragging rights once again, but could also prove pivotal in both teams' championship aspirations. 

But which of the all-star casts will make the difference? DAZN News picks out four possible gamechangers. 

Hakan Calhanoglu

A man who directly crossed the divide when he moved to Inter from AC on a free transfer in 2023, and one who will play a key role for the hosts in this derby day. 

The Turkish midfielder has been heavily involved in Inter's attack this season and at the moment, jointly leads the goalscoring charts with five goals in his nine appearances as well as an assist for Christian Chivu's team. 

With Henrikh Mkhitaryan still missing, the mantle will fall upon Calhanoglu's shoulders to dictate play in the middle of the park and quickly switch his team from defence to attack. 

Inter's attackers have taken a lot of the headlines so far, but it's been their creative force in the middle that has driven their charge to the top of the table. 

Getty

Luka Modric

When Modric ended his illustrious spell at Real Madrid in the summer and made the move to Serie A, it was accepted that the legendary star would take a backseat role in Milan's team as he headed into his forties. 

However, the Croatian has been anything but a bit-part player and has become the fulcrum of the Milan side, using all his big-game experience and the football intelligence that won him a Ballon d'Or to influence the Rossoneri's battle back into the title fold. 

The midfielder hasn't missed a single league game so far and is already being hailed as the 'signing of the season' even at this early stage of the campaign. 

As someone who experienced a plethora of Madrid derbies and played in countless El Clásicos, he'll only revel in the spotlight of a Milan derby and look again to dictate the game as only he can. 

Getty Images

Ange-Yoan Bonny 

While Latauro Martinez remains as important as ever to Inter's attack, and Sunday could also see a return for Marcus Thuram, it's another member of their forward line that has caught the eye this season. 

Bonny moved to the San Siro from Parma in the summer and, having broken into the side thanks to a slate of injuries, he has more than taken his opportunity. 

The French frontman has netted four times and laid on three assists so far this campaign, making him Inter's most dangerous attacking threat. 

His strength and agility have been a major asset and it looks like the Nerazzurri have unearthed a real star in their attack.

Getty

Rafael Leao 

Even with the rumoured return of Christian Pulisic, Milan's most dangerous threat should still come from the boots of Leao, who's been in great form since his own comeback from injury. 

The Portuguese can often frustrate but so far, when the Rossoneri have needed him, he's really stepped up to the plate, scoring important goals against Fiorentina and Pisa to preserve Milan's unbeaten record since their opening day defeat. 

His speed and skill coming off the wide berths make him unpredictable for defenders, especially with the explosiveness of his finishing. 

If there's someone who will take half a chance and turn it into a match-winner on Sunday, it might well be Milan's number 10. 

Getty Images

How to watch Serie A on DAZN? 

DAZN brings fans closer to the action with live coverage of all 10 matches per round, delivering world-class Italian football to more fans in more ways in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Canada, and the U.S (Spanish-language only).

You can watch Serie A games via the DAZN App, available on smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.

If you do not have the App already then just follow these instructions....

• Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
• On a laptop or PC,  visit www.DAZN.com/home
• Select 'Get started' or 'log in'
• Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google or Facebook options
• You then have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the Matchroom boxing channel and FIFA+
• Then find our Serie A page and click 'buy now'