Follow us in the thrilling atmosphere of the AC Milan – Inter derby, a match unlike any other, where everyone in Milan dances in unison and rivalry at San Siro. None others, in Italian such important derbies are also named “Superclassico”, meaning “Superclassic”, these are games that live on forever in the hearts of their supporters. Keep reading if you want to know more about how the matchday typically looks like, if you are curious about practical travel tips, typical derby rituals, and read about what to do in Milan.
Pre-Match: Journey and Anticipation
If the derby happens to be an important game, for example the finals for the Serie A, the ultras of their respective clubs usually go watch the team getting ready and training for the big match.
On the day of the derby, you can feel the tension overpowering Milan, which hundreds of fans walking through the city characterised with their favourite team. Car traffic starts to increase, and the city becomes emptier by the minute, and locals already know what is happening. For most people the journey to San Siro begins in the city center, where the metro M5 carries supporters to San Siro Stadio station. However, most fans also come from outside of Milan to witness the incredible derby, which contributed to the wonderful chaos you can find before and after the derby. Already on the way to San Siro you can observe people colored by laughter, songs, and scarves hanging over their shoulders. Usually, you can also observe some ultras standing in front of the stadium with coloured smoke bombs and having fun.
During the Match: Chants and Dances
Approaching the stadium, the amount of fans becomes denser, and their energy nearly unmatchable. Inside, the famous Curva Sud (AC Milan) and Curva Nord (Inter) are alive with drums, bullhorns, and the unmissable “tifo”: colossal banners and coordinated card displays that stretch across the stands. The stadium is divided by color: half red and black, half blue and black. It’s tradition for both sets of italians “ultras” to unveil their chants at kickoff, often referencing historical triumphs or poking fun at their rivals, which in italian they call “sfottò”. There are plenty of well known songs that mock other rival teams. For example, Inter has a song that goes by “Chi non salta rossonero è”, which means that whoever is not jumping around and dancing is a milanese fan, allowing everyone to start dancing between each other. Another famous example, even if not related to AC Milan or Inter, is the famous song “Freed from Desire” that to the main refrain goes “Vesuvio erutta, tutta napoli è distrutta”, which means “Vesuvio erupt and all Naples is destroyed” to mock Napoli’s fans. Another popular example is the song “Sarà perché ti amo”, whose refrain is adapted by fans to go: “Stringimi forte, e stammi più vicino, e chi non salta è un gobbo juventino.” Here, “gobbo”, meaning “hunchback”, is a playful nickname for Juventus fans, and the chant teases that anyone not jumping must be one of them. There are several theories about this nickname, one of which suggests it comes from Juventus’s own nickname, “Vecchia Signore” meaning “Old lady”.
But don’t worry, if you get hungry by jumping and dancing around, during the game, there are plenty of delicious food trucks and pop-up stands near the stadium serving panini, beer, and other local treats. But be cautious not to miss too much of the game! As for every important game, every key moment, near-misses, and, of course, goals, you will hear screams of joy or despair. Finishing off, the Inter ultras break into their legendary chants, “C’è solo l’Inter” and “Pazza Inter Amala,” while Milan’s supporters respond with their own anthems, drums, and endless choruses. The relentless noise, flag-waving, and choreographed displays create a sense of unity and rivalry unlike anywhere else in football.
Post-Match: Celebrations and the Milanese Nightlife
As the final whistle blows, you can observe a wave of emotion sweep through San Siro, joy for some, heartbreak for others. For those wanting to continue the festivities, the winning supporters all go marching towards the Duomo in the center of the city, where everything started. There you can witness the milanese sky turn red and black, or blue and black, depending on who won that night. If you are looking for one-time memories and the italian heartwarmth experience, then we strongly recommend you to stop by there. People get together to sing more chants and dance with strangers. Crying and hugging are definitely on the list, and colourful fireworks light up the sky
What to do in Milan for a weekend
If you are in Milan for more days and want to explore further, you are in the right place because we created a top 5 things to do in Milan.
1) Piazza Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and La Scala
We assume Piazza Duomo is already on your bucket list. So, if you are there, go take a walk into the breathtaking “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II”. Behind it, you can also find the infamous “La Scala”, one of the most historic theater places of all time. Additionally, if you are feeling more alive during the night, you should hop in one of the “terrazze” that you can find in Piazza Duomo, such as “Terrazza Duomo 21”, “Terrazza Aperol”, “The Dome”, “Rooftop Rinascente”, and “Martini rooftop”. You get it, you have plenty to choose from!
2) The Last Supper
Another thing you should do is go visit Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you can observe the big “affresco” in real life.
3) Parco Sempione and the Castello Sforzesco
If you feel like walking, then we recommend you to visit “Parco Sempione”, where you can also find an old castle inside of it, the “Castello Sforzesco”, each within easy reach by metro or taxi.
4) Arco della Pace
Close to “Parco Sempione”, you can find “L’arco della pace”, which will instantly give you Paris vibes, but better 😉 There you can enjoy a nice Italian style aperitivo in places like “Deseo” or “Duomo since dal 1952”. We really recommend the aperitivo lifestyle, where you can find it in every corner of Milan, not just here. Another famous district you can have it is alongside the river in “Navigli”!
5) Brera district
If you are more into arts, then we recommend you to visit the “Brera” district where you can find cute narrow streets with plenty of colours and flowers, as well as historical museums. There you can find for example “La Pinacoteca di Brera” with the famous “Il Bacio” by Francesco Hayez.
And what about, where and what to eat?
1) Cotoletta and Risotto alla milanese
Regarding food, we highly advise you to eat the well-known and delicious “Cotoletta”, which is a breaded and fried cutlet of veal, usually served with oven-baked potatoes. You can find them in restaurants like “Al Garghet”, “Damma a Trà”, “La Bettola di Piero”, or “Al cantinone”. In these places you can also try the original “Risotto alla milanese”, famous for its golden color and rich flavor, achieved by using saffron threads. If you already had these dishes, “Ossobuco” is another milanese delicacy that you have to try once in your lifetime!
2) Italian pizza
If you are feeling more like eating a nice pizza, then we recommend “Gino Sorbillo” for a classic neapolitan pizza, or “Spontini” if you are craving something different and more cheesy. “Spontini” is an iconic pizzeria chain from Milan, famous for its thick, pan-cooked pizza slices.
3) Street Food
Moving on, for some street food delicacies, you should also try the “panzerotti” by Luini, and “All’’antico vinao” for some highly rich sandwiches. Even though these are not typical milanese food, rather from Apulia and Tuscany respectively, you can still enjoy its italian flavours.
4) China town
Last but not least, Milan also offers a big chinese district, “China town” that offers immaculate chinese food, from its steamed and fried dumplings, to its ramen and noodles. You really can find it all there and we highly recommend it!
Practical Tips for Your Derby Adventure
- Arrive early to avoid the pre-match buzz and metro crowds.
- Buy tickets and plan stadium entry well in advance, derby tickets sell out fast. We can help you with that!
- Wear your team’s colors, but be prepared for passionate banter from rival fans.
- Post-match, be patient: public transport is busy, but the vibe in the crowd is part of the fun.
The AC Milan-Inter derby at San Siro is more than just a match, it’s a milanese festival that combines sporting history, cultural pride, and unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you’re a lifelong football devotee or a first-time visitor, this is one of the world’s most vivid footballing experiences, and the city welcomes you to be part of its epic story.