November 24, (THEWILL) — AC Milan claimed a vital 1-0 victory over Inter in Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina, moving to within two points of the Serie A leaders.
Christian Pulisic’s second-half strike proved the difference, whilst goalkeeper Mike Maignan delivered a match-winning performance.
Inter began brightly and created the better opportunities during the opening period.
Marcus Thuram’s diving header forced Maignan into an outstanding save after four minutes, before Francisco Acerbi struck the post midway through the half.
Lautaro Martinez then saw his low volley tipped onto the woodwork by the Milan goalkeeper just before the interval.
Pulisic broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half when Yann Sommer could only parry Alexis Saelemaekers’ long-range effort into his path.
The American made no mistake from close range to give Milan the lead.
Inter were handed a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining after Strahinja Pavlovic fouled Thuram inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot.
Former Milan player Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up to take the penalty, but Maignan dived low to his right to deny the bottom-corner attempt.
The save preserved Milan’s advantage and secured all three points in the city derby.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
