Some games are just bigger than others, aren't they? The Milan derby is always a massive occasion, but this one felt different. It wasn't just about bragging rights or three points; it was a historic moment, played under the new reality of both clubs owning their legendary home. And in the end, it was American star Christian Pulisic who etched his name into the story, scoring the decisive goal in a tense 1-0 win for AC Milan that has seriously shaken up the Serie A title race.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Christian Pulisic scored the lone goal in the 54th minute to give AC Milan a 1-0 derby win.
- ✓ The victory lifts AC Milan to 25 points, putting them just two behind league leaders Napoli.
- ✓ It was the first Derby della Madonnina played since both clubs became joint owners of the stadium.
- ✓ Inter Milan hit the woodwork twice and were denied by a brilliant save from goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
- ✓ Presidents Beppe Marotta (Inter) and Paolo Scaroni (Milan) held a historic joint interview before the match.
It was a classic derby full of drama, near misses, and tactical chess, but the real story unfolded on two fronts: the pitch, where Pulisic played the hero, and off the pitch, where a new era of cooperation for the city's football giants has officially begun.
The Goal That Silenced the Nerazzurri
Let me set the scene. The second half had just begun, and frankly, Inter Milan were dominating. The Rossoneri, the home side for this derby, were feeling the pressure. But football has a funny way of turning on a dime. The breakthrough came in the 54th minute, and it was a textbook example of a lightning-fast counterattack, executed to perfection by Massimiliano Allegri's side.
It all started with a crucial interception in the midfield by the ever-reliable Youssouf Fofana. He didn't hesitate, immediately releasing Alexis Saelemaekers down the right flank. The Belgian winger unleashed a powerful, long-range effort that Inter's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, could only parry away. It was a good save, but he couldn't push it clear of danger.
And who was there, reacting quickest in the box? None other than Christian Pulisic. He pounced on the loose ball, slotting it home from close range to break the deadlock and send the Milan half of the stadium into a frenzy. It was a pure poacher's finish from a player in red-hot form, marking his fifth goal in Serie A and his seventh in all competitions since returning from injury.
A Game of Inches and Incredible Saves
While Pulisic will grab the headlines, this victory was also built on defensive grit and a little bit of luck. Before the goal, Inter looked like the more threatening side. The Nerazzurri came agonizingly close to scoring in the first half, hitting the woodwork not once, but twice. First, it was defender Francesco Acerbi who was denied by the frame of the goal.
Then came the moment that had Inter fans holding their breath. Star striker Lautaro MartÃnez found himself with a golden opportunity, only to be thwarted by an exceptional save from Milan's keeper, Mike Maignan. It was a world-class stop that kept the Rossoneri level and ultimately proved to be just as important as Pulisic's goal. It was a classic "what if" moment for Inter, who will surely feel they deserved more from the game based on their chances.
Tactically, it was a fascinating battle. Allegri's decision to deploy a 3-5-2 formation, with Pulisic and Leão paired up front, was a bold move that paid off. It allowed Milan to absorb pressure and then strike quickly on the break, a strategy that led directly to the winning goal. While Inter controlled possession for periods, Milan had the clinical edge when it mattered most.
A New Dawn at the San Siro
Beyond the 90 minutes of fierce rivalry, this derby was truly historic. For the first time ever, it was played at a stadium—the iconic San Siro, or Stadio Giuseppe Meazza—that is officially owned by both competing clubs. This milestone comes after the two giants finally completed the purchase of the surrounding land, a project that has been over a decade in the making.
To mark the occasion, Inter President Beppe Marotta and AC Milan President Paolo Scaroni took part in an unprecedented joint interview before the match. "It is an historic moment and a date that will remain in the history books for all of Italian football," Marotta told DAZN Italia. He spoke of the need to respect the legendary stadium while aiming to "build a new container that can be the scene for many more wonderful moments."
Scaroni echoed these sentiments, highlighting the long road to this point. "It has been a long journey together to reach this point," he said. "Great things do take time." The plan is to eventually knock down the current structure and build a modern arena right next door. The shared goal is clear: create a new stadium that can become just as iconic as its predecessor.
But don't think this new partnership has softened the rivalry. Both presidents were quick to point out that for the 90 minutes of the match, it was business as usual. "We are in perfect agreement with Inter over the stadium and many other issues," Scaroni added, "but for the next 90 minutes there will be only a great rivalry." It’s this beautiful duality of football—unity in progress, division in competition—that makes the sport so compelling.
Title Race Turned on Its Head
A derby win is always sweet, but the implications of this result are massive for the Serie A table. The victory catapults AC Milan to 25 points, putting them level with Roma and, more importantly, just two points behind the league leaders, Napoli. After a hard-fought battle, they now find themselves right in the thick of the Scudetto conversation.
For Inter, it's a bitter pill to swallow. The defeat, only their third in the league this season, sees them drop to fourth place, remaining on 24 points. In a league this tight, where only a few points separate the top teams, every result against a direct rival feels like a six-pointer. This loss will sting, especially given how close they came to getting a different result.
As Scaroni wisely noted, quoting Allegri, the title race doesn't truly take shape until March. However, these early-season derby results often prove pivotal in the long run. The momentum and confidence gained from a win like this can be invaluable, while the sting of defeat can linger. One thing is for sure: this season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable title races we've seen in years.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The latest chapter in the Derby della Madonnina was one for the ages. It was a night of high drama defined by Christian Pulisic's clinical finish, Mike Maignan's heroics in goal, and a tactical victory for AC Milan. It was a match that had everything we love about Italian football: passion, tension, and moments of individual brilliance.
But beyond the final whistle, this derby will be remembered as a landmark event—the beginning of a new, shared future for the city's two great clubs at the San Siro. While the rivalry on the pitch remains as fierce as ever, their collaboration off it marks a significant step forward for Italian football. This one match perfectly captured the past, present, and future of Milan's footballing soul.
