Italian media have identified the battle between Alexis Saelemaekers and Federico Dimarco as the most emotionally charged matchup of Sunday’s Milan vs Inter derby, a full-throttle wing contest between two players who personify their respective clubs.
Both operate in the same frantic rhythm, up and down the flank, constantly involved at both ends of the pitch.
However, their profiles diverge significantly, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInternews.
Saelemaekers brings directness, dribbling and intelligent off-ball movement.
Dimarco brings crosses, set-piece delivery and a left foot capable of scoring from range.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter’s wing-back leads Serie A’s assist charts and has already scored twice against Milan, a record his opponent cannot yet match.
Saelemaekers is still searching for his first goal in 15 encounters with Inter across his spells at Bologna, Roma and Milan, though he did provide the decisive assist for Pulisic in the first derby of this season.
The personal dimension adds another layer of fascination.
Saelemaekers arrived at Milan from elsewhere but has been won over completely.
Indeed, earning his own devoted following in the Curva Sud over time.
Both are adored on their side of the city and, inevitably, despised on the other.
“At a purely emotional level,” Italian media conclude, “the confrontation between Saelemaekers and Dimarco is perhaps the most representative of tonight’s derby.”
Loved by one half of Milan, loathed by the other, it does not get more derby than that.