AC Milan vs. Internazionale Soccer Match at San Siro

The Stadio Guiseppe Meazza is commonly referred to as San Siro in Milan, and when the top flight of Italian football meets at their mutually-held home court to dual in the Derby della Madonnina, the passions run high and the fight is hard.

AC Milan – or simply Milan, as its known in Italy – was founded in 1899 and quickly won some significant championships, placing them on the football map early in their heritage.

But, in 1908, frictions over the signing of foreign players led to a split and the founding of the Internazionale, or “Inter,” club.

Traditionally, Inter was seen as the club of the Milanese upper class, with nicknames like The Cherished One, The Big Grass Snake and The Serpent.

Milan, on the other hand, has traditionally ground the axe of the working class, earning the nickname “casciavit,” meaning "screwdriver."

Whatever the cultural rivalries, the match is serious business.

This cross town rivalry is so hotly contested that only certain referees are allowed to officiate the game.