In a thrilling Derby della Madonnina, Milan turned the game around in the closing stages to make the championship race exciting again. Inter were the better team for a long time, but a French world champion made the difference.
The starting position in the Derby della Madonnina was clear: Inter could pull away as league leaders with a win, the Rossoneri for their part could make the championship battle really exciting again. While the Nerazzurri still had to do without newcomer Gosens in San Siro, Milan were hurt by the absence of striker Ibrahimovic.
Inter, who had been undefeated for 28 home games, started much better in the fiery city derby and scored directly, but Dumfries’ header was offside when Perisic crossed the ball (10th). Afterwards, only FC Internazionale played, but Brozovic (12th), Barella (26th) and Dumfries (29th) failed to score in the first half hour either because of keeper Maignan or a lack of precision.
Perisic rewards Nerazzurri
Never the less, a goal was in the air, especially on the flanks, the Primus caused the visitors a lot of problems, they couldn’t find a way and seemed overtaxed at times. But this improved after half an hour; Tonali’s shot, which Handanovic saved (36.), confirmed this.
But just in the best phase of the Rossoneri the goal fell on the other side. Perisic was left free after Calhanoglu’s corner and scored flat into the right corner for a deserved lead for Inter (38.). As Maignan’s excursion in injury time was not punished, that was also the half-time score.
At the break, Milan coach Stefano Pioli reacted and took the inconspicuous Saelemaekers off, Junior Messias came on in his place. The game was no longer quite so one-sided, but this was mainly due to the fact that the Nerazzurri pressed less and preferred to stand securely. As a result, the tempo slowed down noticeably and little happened in the penalty areas for a long time.
Giroud’s moments of genius – Theo’s inglorious exit
It was only with the substitution of Brahim Diaz (58th) that some momentum finally came into the attacking play – and how: Giroud won the ball in midfield and then sprinted through to direct Brahim Diaz’s deflected shot into the net (75th). But that was not enough as the Frenchman followed up the surprise equaliser with another goal. He got around Skriniar and shot, Handanovic did not look good and could not prevent the second shot within three minutes (78.).
The French world champion turned the Derby della Madonnina completely upside down in no time! Inter seemed to be perplexed and out of sorts, and then got bogged down in verbal discussions and did not create any more danger. The inglorious end was provided by Theo, who straddled Dumfries from behind in the centre circle and saw red (90.+5). A short time later, the heated derby, which had almost everything to offer, was over.
Once again Milan ended the 28-game home streak of FC Internazionale, who conceded their second defeat of the season. Milan are now within one point of Inter, who have one game less to play.
Inter have more crucial games coming up: First up is a cup quarter-final against AS Roma on Tuesday, followed by a clash with Napoli next Saturday and then Liverpool in the Champions League. The Rossoneri are also in cup action next week, with Milan hosting Lazio Roma on Wednesday (9pm).
