MILAN – AC Milan claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday, November 23, 2025, at San Siro. A goal from Christian Pulisic and a crucial penalty save by Mike Maignan secured the win for the Rossoneri, moving them into a strong position in the Serie A standings. The result marked a significant shift in momentum for Milan, bouncing back from a recent stumble, and halted Inter’s positive league run.
The match, played with the intensity expected of a Milan derby, saw Inter dominate possession but ultimately fall short against a resilient Milan side. The victory was particularly sweet for Massimiliano Allegri’s team, who secured a narrow but vital win in a contest defined by fine margins.
Pulisic Strikes, Maignan Stands Tall
The decisive moment arrived in the 34th minute when Pulisic capitalized on a swift counter-attack. Following a save by Maignan denying Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Milan quickly transitioned, and Pulisic found himself in a scoring position, slotting the ball past Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. The goal sparked a period of pressure from the Rossoneri, with Saelemaekers and Fofana both creating dangerous opportunities.
However, Inter pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half, creating several chances. The most significant came in the 54th minute when Federico Dimarco’s attempt sailed just over the bar. The Nerazzurri continued to press, but Maignan proved to be an insurmountable obstacle, most notably with a crucial penalty save in the second half, denying Hakan Çalhanoğlu from the spot. This save, reminiscent of his previous heroics against Roma, proved pivotal in securing the three points for Milan.
Controversial Ending at San Siro
The closing stages of the match were filled with drama, and controversy. In stoppage time, Inter believed they had found an equalizer through a corner kick, but the referee, Doveri, had already blown his whistle, halting play just before the ball crossed the line. The decision sparked outrage among the Inter players and fans, but the goal was ultimately disallowed.
Despite a late surge, Inter were unable to break down Milan’s defense, and the match ended 1-0 in favor of the Rossoneri. The final moments saw Inter players appealing for a penalty after a potential handball, but their appeals were waved away.
Team Lineups and Key Absences
Inter entered the match without Lautaro Martinez, who was on the bench, and Marcus Thuram, sidelined due to illness. Cristian Chivu’s starting XI featured Esposito and Bonny up front. Milan, under Allegri, saw the return of Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, and Fikayo Tomori to the starting lineup after recovering from injuries. The Milan lineup included Maignan, Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic, Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan, Pulisic, and Leao.
Standings Implications and What’s Next
The win propelled AC Milan to second place in Serie A, level on points with Napoli and just two points behind league leaders Roma after 28 matchdays. Inter, meanwhile, saw their positive momentum halted and now trail Milan by seven points. This result significantly impacts the race for Champions League qualification and potentially the Serie A title.
Inter will seem to rebound next Saturday when they host Atalanta at San Siro. Milan will face Lazio at the same venue on Saturday, November 29th, at 20:45 CET. Both matches promise to be crucial as the Serie A season progresses.
A Derby Defined by Resilience and Fine Margins
This Derby della Madonnina was a testament to the resilience and tactical discipline of both teams. While Inter controlled possession for large stretches of the game, Milan’s clinical finishing and defensive solidity proved to be the difference. Maignan’s performance was particularly noteworthy, earning him widespread praise for his crucial saves, including the penalty stop.
The match also highlighted the importance of capitalizing on opportunities, as Inter’s failure to convert their chances ultimately proved costly. The controversial ending added another layer of drama to an already intense encounter, leaving Inter fans frustrated and Milan supporters celebrating a well-deserved victory. The win for Milan is a powerful statement to the rest of the league, signaling their intent to compete for a top spot in Serie A and potentially challenge for the Champions League.
The atmosphere at San Siro was electric, with both sets of fans creating a passionate and vibrant spectacle. The match served as a reminder of the rich history and intense rivalry that defines the Derby della Madonnina, a fixture that continues to captivate football fans around the world.
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