AC Milan secured a vital derby victory over league leaders Inter. Pervis Estupiñán's first-half goal decided a tense encounter.
AC Milan clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over city rivals Inter at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Pervis Estupiñán's clinical 35th-minute strike proved the difference in a fiercely contested Derby della Madonnina. This significant result tightens the Serie A title race.
Inter entered the clash atop Serie A, boasting a formidable five-game winning streak. They held a ten-point lead over second-placed AC Milan, who were looking to reignite their title challenge. The derby promised high stakes and intense football.
The opening stages saw Inter controlling possession, attempting to dictate the tempo. Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan tried to unlock the Rossoneri defence. However, Milan remained resolute at the back.
AC Milan absorbed pressure effectively, looking for opportunities on the counter-attack. Youssouf Fofana was instrumental in midfield transitions. Christian Pulisic also looked sharp on the wing.
The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute. Fofana threaded a precise pass to Pervis Estupiñán, who found space inside the box. Estupiñán expertly drilled his shot past the Inter goalkeeper, sending the home crowd wild. It was a moment of quality in a cagey half.
Milan headed into the break with a narrow but deserved lead. Inter needed a tactical rethink to break down their determined neighbours. The second half promised a strong response from the league leaders.
Inter emerged with renewed vigour after the restart, pushing more players forward. Their ball possession climbed significantly, but Milan's defence stood firm. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a crucial save early on to deny a close-range effort.
Both managers turned to their benches to influence the game. Inter made a double change in the 59th minute, bringing on Petar Sučić and Luis Henrique. Milan responded in the 73rd minute, introducing Niclas Füllkrug and Samuele Ricci.
The intensity of the derby led to a flurry of yellow cards. Alessandro Bastoni and Denzel Dumfries of Inter were booked in quick succession around the 65th minute. Milan’s Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić also saw yellow late in the match, reflecting the tense final moments.
Despite Inter dominating possession with 63% and generating an Expected Goals (xG) figure of 1.18, they managed only two shots on target. AC Milan, with just 37% possession and an xG of 0.77, matched Inter's two shots on target, converting one. Maignan's two saves were vital in preserving Milan's clean sheet.
This hard-fought victory narrows the gap at the top of Serie A to seven points. AC Milan delivered a significant blow to Inter's title procession, proving the Scudetto race is far from over. It gives the Rossoneri renewed hope for the season's final stretch.
