Inter 0-1 Milan: Pulisic Goal & Maignan Penalty Save Seal Derby Win

CAPTAIN AMERICA DELIVERS. Christian Pulisic’s clinical finish and Mike Maignan’s heroic penalty save handed AC Milan a statement 1-0 victory over Inter in Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina, extending the Rossoneri’s remarkable unbeaten run against their city rivals to six matches. The result catapults Massimiliano Allegri’s side into second place in Serie A, just two points behind league leaders Roma.

The match at San Siro ended with Milan securing all three points despite Inter dominating possession and creating numerous chances throughout the 90 minutes. For the Nerazzurri, it was a night of frustration, bad luck, and a missed opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table. For Milan, it was a masterclass in efficiency and resilience.

Inter Dominate But Can’t Break Through

From the opening whistle, Cristian Chivu’s Inter took control of proceedings. The Nerazzurri dominated the first half, hitting the post twice and forcing several good saves from Mike Maignan. The French goalkeeper was called into action early, producing a stunning save to deny Marcus Thuram’s header in just the third minute.

Francesco Acerbi came agonizingly close in the 27th minute when his header from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner crashed against the crossbar with Maignan beaten. The woodwork denied Inter again just ten minutes later in even more dramatic fashion. Thuram knocked down a cross for Lautaro Martinez, whose volley from 13 yards was pushed onto the post by Maignan’s outstretched glove.

Inter controlled 58 percent of possession and outshot Milan 10-4, yet found themselves unable to convert their superiority into goals. It was a familiar story for the Nerazzurri, who have now failed to beat Milan in six consecutive meetings across all competitions.

Milan, by contrast, remained compact and organized. Allegri set up his team to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, a tactical approach that proved devastatingly effective. The Rossoneri soaked pressure for most of the match, with Pulisic and Rafael Leao providing occasional threats on the break.

Pulisic Pounces on Counter-Attack

The breakthrough arrived nine minutes into the second half, and it came entirely against the run of play. Milan won possession near midfield when Calhanoglu mishandled the ball, sparking a rapid counter-attack led by Alexis Saelemaekers. The Belgian cut inside and unleashed a shot toward the bottom left corner.

Yann Sommer got down well to make the save, but he could only parry the ball straight into the path of Pulisic, who reacted quickest to slot home into an empty net. The American wheeled away in celebration as the Milan half of San Siro erupted. It was his fifth goal of the season and his third in eight career matches against Inter.

The goal transformed the complexion of the match. Inter, who had been patient in their build-up play, were now forced to chase the game. Milan grew in confidence, popping the ball around on the edge of Inter’s box and creating space to exploit. Still, the Nerazzurri continued to press, knowing one goal would salvage a point.

Maignan Denies Calhanoglu From the Spot

Inter were handed a lifeline in the 72nd minute when Strahinja Pavlovic stepped on Marcus Thuram’s foot inside the box after the Frenchman had delivered a cross. Referee Simone Sozza was called to the VAR monitor for an on-field review and pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Calhanoglu, one of the world’s most reliable penalty takers and a former Milan player facing his old club. The tension inside San Siro was palpable. But Maignan had other ideas. The French goalkeeper read Calhanoglu’s intentions perfectly, diving to his left to push the spot kick away with one strong hand. It was a monumental moment that preserved Milan’s lead and left Inter’s players stunned.

Maignan’s heroics didn’t end there. The goalkeeper finished the match with six saves, repeatedly denying Inter’s attempts to find an equalizer. His performance was the perfect complement to Pulisic’s clinical finishing, and together they delivered the three points Milan desperately needed.

Six and Counting for Milan

The victory extends Milan’s unprecedented dominance over their city rivals. Milan have now gone unbeaten in their last five derbies against Inter, with three wins and two draws. It’s a stark reversal from the period between 2023 and 2024, when Inter won six consecutive derbies, including matches that secured the Supercoppa Italiana, a Champions League semi-final berth, and the 2023-24 Serie A title.

For Allegri, returning to the Derby della Madonnina for the first time since 2013, this was a perfect start. His tactical approach was vindicated by the result, and his team’s defensive discipline proved the difference. Milan have now lost just one match this season across all competitions and are unbeaten in their last 11 games.

Inter, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. This is a painful defeat for Inter, who haven’t beaten their crosstown rivals in six tries and have also lost to other Serie A contenders this season. They remain in contention at the top of the table but will rue their wastefulness in front of goal and the penalty miss that could have salvaged a point.

Table Implications

Milan’s victory moves them to 25 points, jumping above Inter into second place, just two points behind league leaders Roma. Inter drop to fourth on 24 points, level with Napoli, who sit third. The Scudetto race remains wide open, with multiple teams capable of mounting a serious challenge.

For Pulisic and Milan, the focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum. The American has been one of Serie A’s standout performers this season, combining goals with creative play and relentless work rate. His ability to deliver in big moments continues to justify Milan’s faith in him.

Takeaway: AC Milan secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, with Christian Pulisic scoring the winner in the 54th minute and Mike Maignan saving a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty to preserve the lead. Despite Inter dominating possession and hitting the woodwork twice in the first half, Milan’s counter-attacking approach and defensive resilience proved decisive. The result moves Milan into second place in Serie A, two points behind Roma, and extends their unbeaten run against Inter to six matches. Maignan’s six saves and Pulisic’s clinical finishing were the difference in a match that highlighted Milan’s efficiency and Inter’s growing frustration against their city rivals.

Read more: https://offsidetalk.com/jude-bellingham-saves-point/

Link: https://www.flashscore.com/news/inter-ac-milan-serie-a-report-2025-11-23/j11YuNld/