AC Milan 3-1 Inter Milan delivered a Derby della Madonnina full of intensity, transitions and big moments at San Siro, with the Rossoneri turning a tense Serie A night into a convincing statement win. Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic gave Milan control before Lautaro Martinez briefly revived Inter, and substitute Santiago Gimenez sealed the three points late on.

Match overview

AC Milan set the tone early with aggressive pressing and quick attacks down the left. Inter Milan saw plenty of the ball, especially through Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, but the Nerazzurri struggled to turn possession into clear chances. Milan’s structure without the ball was compact, and their front line consistently threatened in behind. A 2-0 half-time lead reflected the home side’s sharper finishing, and although Inter improved after the break, Milan managed the game well and struck again when space opened up in the final stages.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Rafael Leao opened the scoring with a trademark burst from the left, cutting inside before firing a low shot beyond the Inter goalkeeper.
• 39th minute: Christian Pulisic doubled the lead after Milan won the ball high up the pitch, finishing calmly from the edge of the area.
• 61st minute: Lautaro Martinez pulled one back for Inter with a sharp near-post finish after sustained pressure from the visitors.
• 83rd minute: Santiago Gimenez restored Milan’s two-goal cushion, converting a rapid counterattack to make it 3-1.

Tactical story

Milan’s midfield worked tirelessly to deny Inter clean access into central areas, forcing the Nerazzurri wide and then pouncing on loose passes. Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders gave Milan energy in the middle, while Leao and Pulisic provided the direct running that Inter struggled to contain. Inter dominated spells of possession but lacked the final pass, and when they did break through, Mike Maignan produced important saves. Milan’s ability to defend deep and counter at speed was the defining feature of the contest.

Standout players

Leao was the game’s most dangerous attacker, combining his goal with constant pressure on Inter’s back line. Pulisic’s movement and composure in the box gave Milan a second reliable scoring threat, while Maignan’s handling and command of his area protected the lead. For Inter, Lautaro Martinez remained the focal point and took his goal well, but Barella’s efforts in midfield were not enough to swing the match.

What the result means

The three points lifted AC Milan into second place in the Serie A table, two points behind the leaders, and strengthened their title credentials after a demanding derby. Inter Milan remained fourth, still in the chase but frustrated by a night of missed opportunities. With the rivalry now settled, both sides turn their attention to the next round of league fixtures, where Milan will look to build momentum and Inter will need a response.