Meanwhile, reigning champions Napoli are under pressure to bounce back following a tense international week.

Inter Push Ahead at the Summit

Inter lead the league, level on points with AS Roma but ahead on goal difference, having surged back to the top after a confident 2-0 win over Lazio.

Their recent run has been impressive: seven wins from 10 Serie A games, including six clean sheets.

The Nerazzurri look increasingly like serious title contenders. Their only recent domestic blip was a defeat to Napoli, but otherwise, they have consistently delivered.

AC Milan's Derby Ambition

AC Milan, trailing closely, welcome the pressure. Their latest Serie A outing ended in a 2–2 draw with Parma, squandering a two-goal lead.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri is hopeful of fielding a stronger side: midfielder Adrien Rabiot has returned from a calf injury suffered on international duty, and legend Luka Modric could make his first Milan derby appearance.

Napoli on the Back Foot

Napoli, who were title winners last season, now sit two points behind the leaders. Their recent 2-0 loss to Bologna rattled the camp.

Tensions have flared: manager Antonio Conte was reportedly given time off during the international break to "cool off" after publicly criticising parts of his squad, saying he refused to "accompany the dead." Rumours even circulated about his possible resignation ahead of their next match.

To make matters worse, Napoli will be without key midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa against Atalanta today, who suffered a hamstring injury with Cameroon and is expected to be sidelined until next year.

Looking Beyond the Derby

Inter's gaze isn't just on Saturday, they also travel to Atletico Madrid in midweek with European qualification in sight, having won all four of their previous continental matches. Meanwhile, Milan see the derby as a golden opportunity to close the gap in their Scudetto charge.

Napoli, for their part, must regroup quickly. The pressure is mounting not just from rivals but from inside their own camp.

Steve Barker in awe of current Stellenbosch squad