Top of the table clash gives Milan derby extra edge

It is impossible to know whether the result of Saturday's Milan derby will prove crucial in the title race but a win for Inter or AC Milan would definitely bring some much-needed breathing space at the top of Serie A.

With defending champions Napoli losing at home to Lazio in the last round of games, the two Milanese clubs are alone at the top after picking up three wins from three.

The match at the San Siro will be the first time since 1962 that the Milan sides meet while top of the table. Though on the previous occasion they also shared first place with Fiorentina.

Inter had the upper hand last season.

They won the last four of the pair's five meetings, including both ties in their Champions League semifinal, and a win on Saturday would mark the first time they have won five consecutive derbies.

But this Milan side are a different proposition from the team who put up such a disappointing defence of their league title last season.

With so many new faces in the squad there was a fear that Stefano Pioli's side would need time to gel but maximum points from their opening three games has put paid to that theory.

Three new signings have already proved fundamental to Milan's strong start, with Tijjani Reijnders, Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek starting in their three league wins.

Pulisic scored in the opening two games and gives Milan a threat on the right, bringing balance to the side after relying on Rafael Leao on the left for so long.

Loftus-Cheek has added muscle to the midfield and has two assists to his name, and along with playmaker Reijnders they have allowed Milan to overcome the sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle.

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