ITALIAN fans lit flares and ignored social distancing ahead of the Milan derby held behind closed doors at the San Siro.
AC Milan and Inter supporters congregated in their thousands before the biggest Derby della Madonnina in more than a decade.
Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte's Inter took a one-point lead at the top of Serie A into the game after leapfrogging their neighbours last weekend.
A fiery atmosphere was created in the build-up to the game despite Covid rules in the Italian city stating people should keep a metre apart and wear masks in public spaces.
Reports suggested 5,000 fans from both teams packed the surrounding area around the shared stadium with police called to disperse the rowdy crowds.
Italian rulemakers 'strongly recommend' avoiding public transport unless for essential travel or commuting to work.
Fans could be sen huddled together waving large flags with many mouths and noses left uncovered despite the pandemic.
Sunday's derby has been hotly-anticipated after the heated clash between Inter's Romelu Lukaku and Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic last time out.
The ex-Manchester United team-mates went head-to-head in an explosive exchange in the Coppa Italia quarter-final last month.
Veteran Swede Ibrahimovic, 39, was seen and heard shouting: "Go do your voodoo s***, go do your voodoo s***, little donkey."
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Lukaku, 27, responded with 'I’ll f*** you and your wife'.
The ex-Everton and Chelsea ace then charged at the Swede and blasted 'Let’s go inside you b****' before both players were booked.
The two protagonists escaped any further punishment after an investigation by the Italian Football Federation.
And a stunning mural depicting their coming-together was painted outside the San Siro before Sunday's league game.
Inter took the lead thanks to Lautaro Martinez's goal after just five minutes and went in at half-time 1-0 up.
And the Argentine bagged his second in the 57th minute to give Conte's side a two-goal cushion.
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