Christian Pulisic and Matteo Gabbia on Target as AC Milan Secure a Thrilling Win Against Inter Milan

Following a lackluster midweek performance against Liverpool, AC Milan headed into Derby della Madonnina low on confidence. However, what transpired was beyond the wildest dreams of even the most optimistic of Rossoneri fans.

Right from the start, Milan took the initiative. Paulo Fonseca’s bold choice to play with two strikers caught Inter completely off guard. And it didn’t take long for Milan to capitalize. Just 10 minutes in, Christian Pulisic broke the deadlock. The American dispossessed Henrik Mkhitaryan near the center circle and drove through the heart of Nerazzurri’s defense, before toe-poking the ball past a scrambling Yann Sommer. It was the perfect start for Milan and a wake-up call for Simone Inzaghi’s side, who looked sluggish in the early stages.  

However, Inter didn’t stay on the ropes for long. They began to find their rhythm and got back into the game by the 27th minute. Nicolo Barella’s brilliant cross-field switch found Federico Di Marco, who played a neat one-two with Lautaro Martinez. After receiving the return pass, Di Marco unleashed a clinical strike into the bottom corner, giving Mike Maignan no chance. The Nerazzurri had clawed their way back, and from that moment, they pushed for more. Just before halftime, Marcus Thuram came inches from giving Inter the lead, but Maignan pulled off a world-class save to keep it level going into the break. With the game finely poised at 1-1, there was plenty to look forward to in the second half.  

The second half began in same fashion as the first half, with Rossoneri making the early inroads. Milan’s first chance of the half came within seconds of the restart. Summer signing Emerson Royal whipped in a dangerous cross to the far post, where Rafa Leao met it with a thunderous header. But Yann Sommer, showing why he’s one of the best in the business, produced a spectacular save to deny him. Despite Inter controlling the lion’s share of possession, Milan carved out the more threatening chances. The best of the lot came in the 76th minute when Tijjani Reijnders delivered a brilliant, disguised pass that split the Inter defense wide open. Tammy Abraham found himself through on goal with just Sommer to beat, but the Englishman, to everyone’s shock, dragged his shot wide. It felt like Milan’s golden opportunity had slipped away. 

But fate had other plans. In the 88th minute, with the clock ticking down and tension rising, Milan’s academy graduate Matteo Gabbia rose above everyone to head in a pinpoint Reijnders freekick. The San Siro erupted as Gabbia delivered the winning blow that ended Milan’s six-match losing streak against their bitter rivals. This victory wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. It was Milan’s first derby triumph over Inter since 2022 and a huge confidence boost after a tough run of games. The win also puts both Milan clubs level on points, and just three behind surprise leaders Torino. 

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