Cross-city rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan will face in the first of the two semi-finals of the Champions League. The two teams have shared the European crown 10 times. AC and Inter Milan have beaten Napoli and Benfica respectively in the quarter-finals. Inter Milan is currently in fourth place in the Italian league with 63 points while AC Milan is in fifth place with 61 points. The Milan Giants will face each other after 2005. 

Inter Milan manager, Inzaghi said, "We need both our heads and hearts in the game. I am not worried about the hearts. The head will be difficult there will be difficulties which we will have to overcome knowing that we are playing 180 minutes." Inter has faced AC Milan three times and has won in two of them.

On the other hand, AC Milan manager, Stefano Pioli said, "We have knocked out Tottenham and Napoli and we can knock out anybody." He has advised his players to play without fear. Pioli further said, "Inter is a favorite for some but wants to give it a good go." He further added that his team is in good form in the Champions League and he wants to take a step further forward to reach the final. Pioli knows very well that to win the game his side needs something more than team spirit. 

Rafel Leao of AC Milan was injured in the 11th minute of the game against Lazio. This may add a diffusivity to Pioli.