Derby Della Madonnina Explained

In 1899, Englishman Herbert Kilpin founded Milan Cricket and Football Club, otherwise known as AC Milan. 

In March 1903, issues over the signing of foreign players led to a split. A breakaway team from AC Milan was inspired by high-ranking intellectuals, like the artist Giorgio Muggiani, who created Internazionale, or Inter, a club infused by the principle of internationalism. 

With the backing of intellectuals, Inter were seen as a club of the bourgeoisie, hence their nickname of Nerazzurri, or motorbike, due to their luxury of traveling to the San Siro by their own vehicle, whereas Milan were seen as a team for the working-class. 

Today, this socioeconomic divide has largely been mitigated. The rivalry is fierce, but a deep-rooted hatred isn't prevalent between supporters of the two clubs. 

That's not to say it hasn't gotten violent. In 1983, an Inter Ultra was stabbed to death outside the San Siro. Since then, Ultras of the Milanese clubs have upheld an armistice. 

Thankfully, in modern times we can see the rivalry between these two clubs is visceral in the stands, not on the streets.