Pulisic Strike and Maignan Heroics Give Milan Derby Glory Over Inter

AC Milan claimed bragging rights in the first Derby della Madonnina of the season, defeating Inter 1-0 at San Siro in a tense and dramatic contest decided by Christian Pulisic’s close-range finish early in the second half. But while the American winger scored the winner, it was captain Mike Maignan who produced a heroic performance that ultimately secured the victory.

Inter started the match brightly, creating a wave of early chances. Marcus Thuram forced a spectacular diving save from Maignan after meeting a curling cross, and moments later Francesco Acerbi struck the post with a powerful header from a corner. The Nerazzurri pressed aggressively, registering multiple shots and dominating territory, but the Milan goalkeeper stood firm with a series of superb stops that kept the match goalless.

Despite their limited attacking threat in the opening period, Milan gradually grew into the game and threatened sporadically through Christian Pulisic, who fired narrowly wide late in the first half. Inter, however, remained the more dangerous side and went into the break with more shots, more box entries, and a higher expected goals tally.

The match shifted dramatically after halftime. Milan capitalised on a rare attacking move when Alexis Saelemaekers burst forward and unleashed a low strike toward the bottom corner. Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer parried the effort, but the rebound fell perfectly for Pulisic, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range and give the Rossoneri a 1-0 lead completely against the run of play.

Inter pushed desperately for an equaliser, and their opportunity arrived with 20 minutes remaining when Marcus Thuram was clipped in the box after a VAR review. Hakan Çalhanoğlu stepped up against his former club, aiming for the bottom corner, but Maignan produced yet another sensational save to deny the Turkish midfielder and preserve Milan’s advantage. It was the pivotal moment of the match, energising Milan and deflating Inter as the clock ticked down.

The Nerazzurri continued to throw men forward, with Lautaro Martínez going close and substitutes combining to test the Milan defence. Yet every time Inter found a glimpse of goal, Maignan responded with authority, reinforcing his status as one of Serie A’s most decisive performers. A late chance for Inter substitute Ange-Yoan Bonny sailed over the crossbar, summing up a frustrating night for the home side.

Milan’s narrow win lifts them above Inter in the Serie A standings and extends their impressive derby resurgence, having now won four of the last six meetings in all competitions. For Inter, it marks another painful defeat against a major rival this season, adding to losses against Juventus and Napoli.

Milan will now prepare for a home match against Lazio, while Inter must quickly regroup ahead of a demanding midweek trip to Atletico Madrid.