Top Five Players to Have Represented Inter and AC Milan

The only city in European football with two Champions League-winning clubs, Milan has a unique rivalry.

Inter and AC Milan are both major teams in world football. Tonight’s match promises to be an exciting Derby della Madonnina that many will watch.

Despite their fierce rivalry, several players have successfully represented both clubs. Legends like Patrick Vieira, Edgar Davids, Christian Vieri, and Hernan Crespo did not make this top five.

Five of the best players to play for Inter and AC Milan.

Roberto Baggio

Baggio is one of Italy’s greatest footballers. Although much of his success came at Juventus, he also played for both Milan clubs. After being overshadowed by Alessandro Del Piero, Baggio moved to AC Milan in 1995 for £6.8m and led them to the Serie A title, winning the club’s Player of the Season award.

His creative skills saw him top the assist chart in Italy’s top division and score ten goals across all competitions. After an impressive start at Milan, he was sidelined due to injuries and eventually joined Bologna.

At Bologna, Baggio had a remarkable season, scoring 22 league goals. He later returned to Milan, this time playing for Inter, the club he supported as a child.

Despite scoring 17 goals in 59 games over two seasons, he struggled with injuries and didn’t win trophies before retiring with Brescia.

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Ronaldo

Ronaldo, also known as Ó Fenómeno, signed with Inter Milan in a world record deal in 1997. His impact was immediate, and he became the most expensive player in history twice before turning 21.

Ronaldo’s career took off with PSV Eindhoven, followed by a standout season at Barcelona, where he scored 47 goals. Inter was quick to secure him with a record transfer fee.

Known for his speed, skill, and precise finishing, Ronaldo was one of the best forwards ever. His arrival was expected to help Inter reclaim dominance in Italian football. After starting strong, he won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1996, and the Ballon d’Or after leading Inter to UEFA Cup success.

However, injuries hampered his career. He hurt his knee in 1999 during a match, and subsequent injuries kept him sidelined for years.

He made a comeback, winning the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and a second Ballon d’Or, later moving to Real Madrid and eventually to AC Milan, where he scored nine goals in 20 games.

Andrea Pirlo

After struggling to find a place at Inter, Pirlo was loaned to Reggina and Brescia, where a positional change enhanced his strengths. Inter sold him to AC Milan, a decision that proved regrettable as he became a top playmaker.

At Milan, he won two Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies, displaying effortless talent. After 401 appearances and 41 goals, he was released to Juventus, where he continued to shine, earning multiple accolades.

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Clarence Seedorf

Seedorf joined Inter Milan in 1999 but did not win any cups during his three seasons there. In a notable trade, he moved to AC Milan, where he found success.

He played a vital role in Milan’s 2003 Coppa Italia win, and they later secured the Champions League title that same year, making Seedorf the first player to win it with three different clubs.

Over his decade at Milan, he won two more Serie A titles and another Champions League, finishing his career with 431 appearances and 63 goals before moving to Botafogo.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the most successful players in both clubs. After a strong spell at Juventus, he joined Inter and marked his presence with 15 goals and a Scudetto victory in his first season.

His scoring continued as Inter won three Serie A titles in a row, earning accolades as Serie A Footballer of the Year and Capocannoniere, the top scorer.

After a transfer to Barcelona, he returned to AC Milan, scoring 56 goals in 86 games and earning another Serie A Footballer of the Year award. He continued to impress in his second spell, becoming Serie A’s oldest goalscorer in March 2023 at 41 years old.

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