Top 10 players with most appearances in Milan Derby

These players have appeared the most in the Derby di Milano.

The Inter Milan and AC Milan game known as "Derby di Milano" is one of the fiercest derbies in European football, which has yielded many high-intensity matches over the years.  

The most successful clubs of Italy, Inter Milan, and AC Milan pit their wits against each other twice a season in the same stadium, San Siro, it has been home of both AC Milan and Inter Milan 

Both teams' respective fans have always had a great devotion to their club, sometimes fan disputes during the matches have led to games called off. However, as time passed the essence of Milan Derby dwindled, and many players whose presence on the field excited the fans left the club. And now whenever Milan Derby takes place, the anticipation is always low and now it just looks like a normal match. 

but the old players who graced the game always elevated the match with their performances. Bearing this in mind we take a look at the top 10 players who have made the most appearances in Milan Derby. 

10. Mauro Tassotti - 35 appearences

Mauro Tassotti, an AC Milan proponent who played as a full-back and midfielder for 17 years, changed the course of the club. His ball reading and tactical awareness made him a phenomenal performer for the Rossoneri, and he was frequently deployed as a midfielder rather than a fullback, which he undertook for 17 years.

He was the most dependable player under Arrigo Sacchi, starting every Milan Derby and appearing in 35 of them. And an evergreen player during the golden era of the 1980s and 1990s.

9. Franco Baresi - 39 appearances

Along with his Milan teammates, Barsei ranked as the best Rossoneri defender in Italy. His on-field professionalism inspired many young players to become defenders and protect the batch.

He was the second player in the Milan Derby to make the most appearances (39) in the late 1990s, setting the bar for the next 20 years, and he was the first Milan player to have his jersey retired, as the great defender left an indestructible mark on the club.

8. Giuseppe Meazza - 40 appearences

Meazza was viewed as a goal-scoring machine during his time in Italian football; he was a significant Inter player who wore the jersey for 14 years, scoring hundreds of goals during that time.

Meazza was a player who set such a quality reputation at Inter that it was difficult for other players to complement. He was a Milan Derby hero who appeared in 40 derbies.

7. Sandro Mazzola - 40 appearences

The famous moustache guy who rose through the Inter Milan ranks, he was unpredictable on the pitch, overcoming a swarm of defenders. With his performance, the Turin-born megastar etched his name in Serie A.

His career took him to new heights, and he was always ready to show his traits in important games such as the Milan Derby, in which he played 40 derbies.

6. Giacinto Facchetti – 40 appearences

Facchetti has always been underestimated when mentioning Italian football greats, despite his contribution to Italian football and Inter Milan. Amidst being a defender, the infamous player made 600 appearances and scored 75 goals. He shut down all opprobrium. Many future defenders, such as Paolo Maldini, have been influenced by him.

Facchetti was one of the greatest players who was overlooked. But he makes our list of most appearances in Milan Derby with 40 starts.

5. Gianni Rivera - 42 appearances

Riveria was praised by many prominent football figures during his playing career. He was the leader of the 1960s and 1970s, playing with devotion and dignity.

Riveria was a player with extraordinary qualities who always dominated specific areas and was a great visionary with impeccable touches. He was a player to watch in the Milan Derby, where he currently ranks fifth in appearances (42).

4. Alessandro Costacurta - 43 appearances

In the Milan Derby, many strikers feared this dreadful defender. He was known as 'Billy' Costacurta, and he was another valuable defender for the Milan team.

Costacurta made 43 appearances in the Milan Derby, and in his career, he has started 663 games for AC Milan, winning as many trophies, including 24 honours.

3. Giuseppe Bergomi - 42 appearences

Many forwards feared Bergomi's stature; his defensive experience was unrivalled; it felt like two centre-backs were playing at the same time. And Giuseppe was Inter Milan's only player with the most caps (757), second only to Javier Zanetti.

The versatile defender who functioned in a variety of systems and known as tough Bergomi, or 'Zio' because of his sophistication, he went on to become one of 'Interisti's finest defenders.

He had a stellar career with Inter Milan, where he spent 20 years. 'Beppe' Bergomi retired at the age of 30 after making the most appearances for Inter and the third most appearances in the Milan Derby (42).

2. Javier Zanetti - 47 appeanreces

The day he signed for Inter was hailed as the greatest day in the club's history. Javier Zanetti became Inter's second player to have his number retired.

A defender and midfielder who enjoyed success. Argentina had one of the best right-backs, left-backs, and midfielders during his tenure. As a result, he was dubbed 'Mr. Consistency.'

His reliability and love for the club made him a fan favourite at San Siro, and whenever he entered the pitch, he was greeted with applause from the crowd. His talent was unrivalled, as he became the first player to break Giuseppe Bergomi's record of most appearances (858), under a mind-boggling 19 managers.

And he is only the second player after Maldini to make the most appearances in the Milan Derby (47). All thanks to Massino Moratti who absolutely got it right when signed the famous Argentine in 1995.

1. Paolo Maldini - 56 appearances

No player in AC Milan's history has had as substantial an impact as Paolo Maldini. During his 24 years at the club, Maldini's name was emblazoned in the club's hierarchy.

He made his debut at the age of 17 and played football until the age of 41. He had everything as a defender: stamina, technique, and heart. And he is the only player to have appeared in the Milan Derby 56 times.

Maldini's number 3 became only the second number retired by the club after he hung his boots.