Inter played the derby, hitting the woodwork twice, having its penalty saved by the dreadful Maignan and handing the baton, once again, after last season, to Milan thanks to Pulisic’s jab early in the second half. For Chivu this is the fourth defeat of the season, a balance that is too heavy, for Milan a useful result of 12th and second place behind Roma (along with Napoli). For one night, Maignan was the absolute protagonist while Inter’s big attack failed.
The San Siro was a spectacle (record take of 8.6 million), the tribute to Vanoni was interesting, the optical banner (obtained with a mobile phone flashlight) appearing on a cheeky south curve, showing that an unfair ban (the association’s banner was rejected) could be circumvented. Inter did not disappoint expectations and started flat, Milan dropped back a few meters and their goalkeeper, Maignan, had to quickly take over. After just 4 minutes, after receiving Dimarco’s cross, Thuram came on and called on his compatriot to perform the first miracle. To note this second moment we have to wait for one of Inter’s geometric maneuvers through Lautaro’s final volley which Maignan deflects onto the post. In the break there was a lot of Inter and the second outside post was hit by Acerbi from a corner kick. Milan came close, struggling on Fofana’s side, trying to restart without finding the best chance except towards the end of the first half: Pulisic’s right-footed shot hit the post. Chivu complained about the Rossoneri’s long pause at the start of the match, Leao protested against Acerbi pulling his hair in the area. Referee Sozza, who saved two yellow cards for Lautaro (elbow on Gabbia) and Pavlovic (foul on Thuram), eventually cautioned Leao for tripping Barella.
The second half started with the same scenario, Inter controlled the game without feeling any attacks. All it took was a loss of the ball in the midfield circle and AC Milan’s trap was triggered: Fofana opened up a chance for Saelemaekers, Sommer deflected the ball from the Belgian’s right as best he could, Pulisic managed to score with a comfortable touch. The Neroazzurri were full of anger and Chivu certainly didn’t lack courage: Lautaro replaced Bonny and then Calha replaced Zielinski. A favorable opportunity came right in the second half thanks to Pavlovic’s stamp on Thuram which was flagged by VAR. From the penalty spot, in front of specialist Calhanoglu, Maignan again elevated himself, felt the right corner and blocked twice.
Inter’s final siege involved a 4-2-4 super attack with Esposito and Diouf plus Thuram and Bonny, while Milan switched to extreme defense with a 5-4-1 that included the entrance of Ricci, Loftus Cheek and Nkunku. The Rossoneri’s fight in the trenches was almost touching – but won.
