By MILAN — AC Milan secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over city rivals Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday, with lifelong Rossoneri fan Matteo Gabbia scoring an 89th-minute winner to end a six-match losing streak in the fixture.
The win at the San Siro provided a much-needed boost for Milan manager Paulo Fonseca, who had been under increasing pressure following a disappointing start to the season. Fonseca, who only joined the club in the summer, made a bold tactical decision by switching to a 4-4-2 formation for this crucial match.
Christian Pulisic gave Milan an early lead in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Henrikh Mkhitaryan to drive at the Inter defense and score past goalkeeper Yann Sommer. The goal showcased the American’s impressive form since joining the Italian club.
Inter, the reigning Serie A champions, equalized before the half-hour mark through Federico Dimarco. The wing-back found the bottom corner after being set up by Lautaro Martínez, bringing the game level and shifting momentum in Inter’s favor.
The match remained finely balanced throughout, with both goalkeepers playing crucial roles. Milan’s Mike Maignan made a spectacular fingertip save just before halftime to keep the scores level, while Inter’s Sommer was called into action multiple times in the second half.
Rafael Leão came close to restoring Milan’s lead early in the second half, but his powerful header was tipped over by Sommer. The Swiss goalkeeper was also alert to deny Tijjani Reijnders’ deflected shot.
As the match entered its final stages, both sides had opportunities to secure victory. Martínez tested Maignan with a fierce volley, while Leão saw his effort saved following a rapid Milan counter-attack. Former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham also came close for Milan, firing wide from a promising position.
Just as the derby seemed destined for a draw, Gabbia rose highest to meet Reijnders’ delivery and power a header into the corner, sending the Milan fans into raptures. The goal was particularly special for Gabbia, a product of Milan’s youth academy and a lifelong supporter of the club.
“This victory means everything to us and our fans,” an elated Gabbia said post-match. “To score the winning goal in the derby is a dream come true for me.”
The result provides a significant boost to Fonseca and AC Milan, who move up to fourth in the Serie A table. For Inter and manager Simone Inzaghi, the defeat ends their unbeaten start to the season and sees them slip to second place behind Juventus.
“We showed great character today,” Fonseca said in the post-match press conference. “This win can be a turning point for our season.”
The derby victory not only ends Milan’s losing streak against their city rivals but also injects new life into their campaign. With the momentum from this win, the Rossoneri will look to build on this performance as they push for a return to the Champions League spots.
Tijjani Reijnders was named Man of the Match for his influential performance in midfield, capped off by providing the assist for Gabbia’s winning goal.
