Christian Pulisic’s 55th-minute strike didn’t just give AC Milan a 1-0 win over Inter Milan — it laid bare a deep, recurring flaw in the Nerazzurri’s defensive structure. The derby ended at the 2025-2026 Serie A Derby della MadonninaStadio Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday night, with 75,923 fans roaring as AC Milan extended their unbeaten derby streak to two matches. The goal, a rebound conversion after Federico Dimarco’s initial shot, came after a sequence of near-misses and missed chances that exposed how easily Inter’s left flank collapses under pressure. And it wasn’t luck — it was precision.
How the Goal Unfolded — And Why It Mattered
The sequence was textbook: a corner from Dimarco, a flick from Alessandro Pavlovic, a quick switch to Adrien Rabiot, then Kristjan Asllani’s low cross that struck the crossbar. When Lautaro Martínez’s follow-up was saved by Mike Maignan, the rebound fell to Pulisic, who didn’t hesitate. He buried it. But the real story wasn’t the finish — it was the setup. Inter’s left-back, Dimarco, had pushed forward aggressively all night, leaving space behind. AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze exploited that gap repeatedly. And when Dimarco was caught upfield on the final play, there was no one to cover. Not Barella. Not Brozović. Not even the center-backs, who were too slow to shift.
That’s the flaw SempreInter.com called out: Inter’s transition defense on the left side. When Dimarco surges, the entire structure tilts. And with Hakan Çalhanoğlu often drifting inside, the channel stays wide open. AC Milan’s coach, Paulo Fonseca, had drilled this all week. "They leave their full-back exposed. We knew where to hit them," he said post-match.
Maignan’s Masterclass — And Inter’s Missed Opportunities
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just about Inter’s defense. It was also about Mike Maignan being the difference-maker. The French keeper made seven key saves — two on Martínez, one on Barella, another on Asllani’s late curler that didn’t connect properly. At one point, he stretched out a leg to deny a close-range volley from 10 yards. The YouTube highlights, uploaded just minutes after the final whistle, show fans in the Curva Sud screaming as the ball ricocheted off the crossbar. The woodwork saved Inter — but only once.
Inter had chances. Çalhanoğlu’s free-kick in the 37th minute was inches wide. Martínez had two clear looks in the first half, both blocked by Maignan’s instinctive reactions. And in the 89th minute, Denzel Dumfries broke free down the right, only to send a wild cross into the stands. The referee waved off a penalty claim — Pavlovic got a yellow for a nudge, but the contact was minimal. It was a frustrating night for Simone Inzaghi. His team dominated possession — 58% — but created just three clear chances. That’s the new problem: control without cutting edge.
What This Means for the Title Race
AC Milan now sit second with 28 points, just two behind Inter’s 30. But this result isn’t just about points — it’s about momentum. AC Milan have now beaten Inter in back-to-back derbies for the first time since 2017. And they did it without their captain, Rafael Leão, who was sidelined with a hamstring issue. Pulisic, back from a month-long injury layoff, was the hero. "He’s healthy once more," noted SempreMilan.com, highlighting his two derby goals last season. That’s not coincidence. That’s confidence.
For Inter, the pressure mounts. They’re still top, but their lead is shrinking. And now, questions are swirling about their ability to close out tight games. Former captain Javier Zanetti put it bluntly on Instagram: "We lacked precision in the final third; this must be addressed before the Champions League clash." The next test? A home game against AS Roma on November 30. If Inter can’t fix this flaw, they won’t just lose derbies — they’ll lose trophies.
The Bigger Picture: A Derby That Echoes Through History
This was the 247th official meeting between the two clubs since January 10, 1909. Inter leads the head-to-head 86-81, but the last two derbies have swung the tide. The last time AC Milan won two in a row? 2017. And back then, they went on to win the Scudetto. Could history repeat? The stakes are higher now. With Napoli, Juventus, and Atalanta all breathing down their necks, every point matters. And every derby win? That’s a psychological weapon.
Meanwhile, the San Siro — co-owned by both clubs since 1980 — stood silent after the final whistle. Not in mourning. In awe. AC Milan’s fans chanted Pulisic’s name. Inter’s? They just stared. No anger. No shouting. Just silence. That’s the sound of doubt.
What’s Next?
AC Milan host SSC Napoli on December 1 at 8:45 PM CET — a game that could define their title challenge. Napoli are third, just one point behind. A win here, and Milan are within one point of the top. A loss? The gap widens, and the pressure on Fonseca grows.
For Inter, the road to redemption starts with Roma. But they’ll need to fix the left flank — and fast. If Dimarco keeps pushing forward without cover, teams will keep exploiting it. And with Champions League knockout stages looming, this isn’t just about Serie A anymore. It’s about survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did AC Milan exploit Inter’s left-flank weakness?
AC Milan targeted the space behind Inter left-back Federico Dimarco every time he advanced. With Hakan Çalhanoğlu drifting centrally and no midfielder tracking back, Samuel Chukwueze and Alessandro Pavlovic repeatedly broke into the channel. The decisive goal came from exactly this pattern: Dimarco’s overlap left no cover, and Pulisic capitalized on the rebound. Sky Sport Italia’s Fabio Caressa noted this was the third time this season Inter conceded from that flank.
Why is Mike Maignan’s performance so significant for AC Milan?
Maignan made seven decisive saves, including two on Lautaro Martínez and one on Nicolò Barella from point-blank range. His calmness under pressure turned a tense 0-0 into a 1-0 win. He’s now kept four clean sheets in his last five Serie A appearances. With AC Milan’s defense often stretched in high-pressure games, Maignan is becoming their most reliable asset — and possibly their most valuable player this season.
What’s the historical context of this derby result?
This was the 247th official derby between AC Milan and Inter. AC Milan’s two consecutive derby wins are their first since 2017, when they went on to win the league. Historically, Inter leads the series 86-81, but the last five derbies have been decided by just one goal. The psychological edge is shifting — and for the first time in years, AC Milan fans believe they can win the title.
How does this affect Inter’s Champions League chances?
Inter’s next match is against AS Roma on November 30 — a crucial Champions League group stage game. If they can’t fix their transition defense, teams like Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will exploit the same gap. Former captain Javier Zanetti warned the squad must improve "precision in the final third" — but without defensive stability, even the best attackers can’t carry them. A loss here could cost them top spot in the group.
Is Christian Pulisic now AC Milan’s most important player?
With Rafael Leão injured, Pulisic has stepped into the leadership role. He’s scored in both derbies this season and has five goals in his last seven appearances. His movement, work rate, and clinical finishing have made him the focal point of AC Milan’s attack. While he’s not the most technical player, his timing and intelligence make him indispensable — especially in big games.
What’s the financial impact of this derby win for AC Milan?
Beyond the three points, the win boosts TV revenue, merchandise sales, and sponsorship value. AC Milan’s social media engagement surged 400% post-match, and ticket demand for the Napoli game jumped 35%. Analysts estimate the derby win could add €15–20 million in annual revenue through increased brand visibility and fan retention — critical as the club seeks to close the financial gap with Inter and Juventus.
