MILAN – AC Milan defeated Inter 1-0 in Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina, fueled by a first-half goal from Pervis Estupiñán, significantly tightening the Serie A title race. The victory moves Milan to within seven points of league-leading Inter, injecting renewed hope into their Scudetto aspirations.
The match, played at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan on March 8, 2026, saw Estupiñán break the deadlock, scoring his first goal for the Rossoneri. The Ecuadorian’s strike ignited the Milan faithful and set the stage for a tense second half where the home side defended resolutely against a determined Inter attack.
The game wasn’t without its controversy, however. Late in the match, a potential handball by Milan midfielder Tommaso Ricci inside the penalty area sparked debate. Inter coach Cristian Chivu, although acknowledging the incident, refrained from criticizing the decision, stating, “They told me there was a VAR and an aVAR who checked, I have nothing to say.”
The opening stages of the match saw both sides probing for an advantage. Luka Modrić nearly put Milan ahead early on, his shot from the edge of the area narrowly missing the target following a turnover in possession. However, it was Estupiñán who ultimately found the breakthrough.
The goal stemmed from a well-worked move involving Youssouf Fofana and Rafael Leão. Fofana’s clever through ball released Estupiñán down the left flank, allowing him to beat Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer from a tight angle at the near post. The goal, a testament to Milan’s attacking fluidity, sent the home crowd into raptures.
Following Estupiñán’s goal, Inter pressed for an equalizer, but Milan’s defense, marshaled by Fikayo Tomori, proved resilient. Inter’s Federico Dimarco was seen lying on the pitch in pain during the match, adding to the drama of the derby. Lautaro Martinez, despite being injured, was present on the bench to support his teammates, demonstrating the intensity and importance of the fixture.
The closing moments of the match were particularly dramatic. In addition to the disputed handball incident, a corner kick awarded to Inter was blown dead by the referee before the ball could be played, adding to the frustration of the Nerazzurri. These late incidents only amplified the already charged atmosphere of the Derby della Madonnina.
This win marks the second Derby della Madonnina victory for Milan this season, signaling a potential shift in momentum in the title race. Inter, previously unbeaten in Serie A since a 1-0 defeat to Milan in November, will now feel the pressure as they look to maintain their lead.
The result leaves Inter with a seven-point cushion at the top of the Serie A table, but Milan’s victory serves as a clear warning that the championship is far from decided. The Rossoneri’s improved form, coupled with Inter’s recent wobble, suggests a thrilling conclusion to the season is in store.
For Milan, the win is a significant boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures. The team will look to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of the Scudetto. The performance of Estupiñán, in particular, will be a source of encouragement for coach Allegri, as the Ecuadorian’s goal proved to be the decisive moment in a hard-fought derby.
The Derby della Madonnina is always a fixture steeped in history and passion, and this encounter was no exception. The combination of a crucial goal, controversial decisions, and a fiercely contested battle ensured a memorable afternoon for fans of both clubs.
Milan’s next challenge will be a trip to [next opponent to be confirmed], while Inter will look to rebound against [next opponent to be confirmed]. Both teams will undoubtedly be analyzing their performances from the derby as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
The Serie A title race is now wide open, and the coming weeks promise to be filled with drama and excitement as Milan and Inter battle for supremacy.
