Revamp of the Milan derby: A Look Ahead in 2026

The Italian Serie A, one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, is set to undergo another significant overhaul with the introduction of a new format for the Milan derby.

The Milan derby, which has been played between AC Milan and Inter Milan since 1928, will now be played twice each season, with each team playing their opponents at home and away. The change was announced by the league's governing body, FIGC, on Thursday.

"This decision was made after careful consideration of the needs of both clubs and fans," said FIGC president Giuseppe Marotta. "We believe that this format will provide more excitement and unpredictability for the game."

The revamp is expected to have a significant impact on the two teams' performance, as well as the quality of the matches. Both teams will need to adapt quickly if they want to succeed under this new format.

AC Milan, who currently lead the Serie A table, will likely struggle to maintain their current level of form if they play twice against Inter every season. Inter, on the other hand, may find it easier to maintain their dominance over their rivals, as they can rest key players while still competing for victory.

The introduction of the Milan derby format also means that there will be less time for the media and fans to get used to the new format before the first match takes place. This could make the first few games particularly difficult for both teams, but it also provides an opportunity for them to experiment and improve their tactics.

Overall, the revamp of the Milan derby is likely to be a significant step forward for the league, and we can only wait to see how it unfolds in the coming years.