MILAN – AC Milan claimed a crucial victory in the Milanese derby on Sunday, defeating rivals Inter in a match that saw both Belgian internationals, Alexis Saelemaekers and Koni De Winter, feature for the Rossoneri. While reports indicate the performance wasn’t a dominant display, the win provides a vital boost to Milan’s Serie A title aspirations.
The match, a highly anticipated fixture in the Italian football calendar, saw AC Milan emerge victorious, though details regarding the scoreline and specific match events are currently limited in available sources. The victory is particularly significant as it allows Milan to close the gap on league leaders, though the exact margin remains to be seen.
Belgian Contingent Plays Key Role
Alexis Saelemaekers once again proved his importance to the AC Milan squad, contributing to the team’s success in the derby. Recent international form has been strong for Saelemaekers, having both scored and assisted for Belgium in a 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein in November 2025, securing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. He also featured in a previous Belgium draw against Kazakhstan, coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute.
Koni De Winter also saw action in the derby, though his role was different. He was an unused substitute in Belgium’s World Cup qualifying match against Liechtenstein, but played the full 90 minutes in a previous draw against Kazakhstan. His presence in the squad demonstrates his growing importance to AC Milan’s defensive options.
Under-21 Euros Qualification Also on the Agenda
Beyond the senior international scene, AC Milan players were also involved in qualifying for the Under-21 Euros in 2027. Zachary Athekame, another AC Milan player, experienced a tougher evening with Switzerland, letting a lead slip against Luxembourg in a 2-1 defeat. Davide Bartesaghi, meanwhile, enjoyed a more positive outing, playing well on the right flank for Italy U21 in a 4-1 victory over Montenegro, even getting on the scoresheet.
Derby Victory a Much-Needed Boost
The win against Inter represents a significant moment for AC Milan, particularly after a disappointing draw against Kazakhstan in November. That result meant World Cup qualification came down to their match against Liechtenstein, which they ultimately won convincingly. The derby victory provides a welcome return to form and a much-needed confidence boost as they continue their pursuit of the Serie A title.
While the sources don’t detail the specifics of the match, the fact that Saelemaekers and De Winter both featured highlights their contributions to the team. The derby is always a fiercely contested affair, and securing a win against your biggest rivals is a major psychological advantage.
Looking Ahead for AC Milan
AC Milan will now turn their attention to their next fixture, aiming to build on the momentum gained from the derby victory. The team will be looking to maintain their improved form and continue to close the gap on the league leaders. Further details regarding upcoming matches and potential injury concerns will be crucial as the season progresses.
The performance of both Saelemaekers and De Winter will be closely monitored, as they continue to be key players for AC Milan both domestically and internationally. Their contributions will be vital if the Rossoneri are to achieve their goals this season.
For fans eager to support the team, the AC Milan online store offers a range of merchandise, including match kits, clothing, and accessories.
The next confirmed checkpoint for AC Milan is their upcoming Serie A match, details of which will be announced on the official AC Milan website. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the season unfolds.
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