Sunday night’s Derby Della Madonna was a thrilling match as Inter Milan edged past AC Milan 3-2. Gennaro Gattuso’s side was in high flying colours for the past few matches as they met Luciano Spalleti’s men in The Milan Derby. Both Gattuso and Spalleti knew that winning this tie would be important as this would seal third place in Serie A over their opponents.
Inter Win Derby Della Madonna
Clash of Titans
The Nerazzurri took the lead within three minutes. Ivan Perisic squeezed a cross from the right side of the box which was brought down by Lautaro Martinez. Matias Vecino placed the looping ball into the open goal from close range. Inter dominated the match and almost made it 2-0 for the visitors but Vecino failed to add a second to his name after a dismal finish inside the box.
The Rossonerri looked to bounce back as Gattuso tightened his midfield. Hakan Calhanoglu and Lucas Paqueta got good chances to bring the score level but Samir Handanovic denied them of their opportunities. The first half’s last opportunity came from Milan Skriniar who sliced it above the crossbar in the 41st minute. The first half ended 1-0 for Inter but little did we know that four more goals were incoming in the second half.
The Real Game
Inter started the half with domination as Gianluigi Donnarumma was into back in action by Roberto Gagliardini’s curler shot. Inter’s pressure finally paid head as Stefan de Vrij floated a header into the bottom corner of the net from Matteo Politano’s cross. Inter lead 2-0 at San Siro.
Milan revived their stall as Chelsea loanee, Tiemoue Bakayoko headed the first goal for the Rossoneri from a Calhanoglu’s cross. Bakayoko’s first goal in Milan shirt came on such a crucial moment. Milan started increasing pressure on the Inter box after the goal to look for an equalizer.
Inter Dominate
All hopes for the Rossoneri’s winning the tie vaporized when Milan substitute, Sami Castillejo tripped Matteo Politano for a penalty. Martinez scored from the spot making it 3-1 for The Nerrazuri. Inter’s superiority over their counterparts proved too much as they crushed any kind of resistance.
Milan failed to give up as Suso floated a dangerous low cross into the box which was saved by Handanovic but Mateo Musacchio thrashed home from six yards. Patrick Cutrone and Samu Castillejo both had good chances to score but they squandered them off. Milan striker, Krzysztof Piatek had a chance when he tried to flick in near post from a deflected cross but that went wide.
Spalleti Sent Off
A second lifeline was handed to Milan when Andrea Conti’s red card decision was reversed by VAR. Conti tackled Martinez in a 50-50 situation when the referee showed a red. The match officials went for VAR in order to have a closer look. Inter coach, Luciano Spalletti burst into a confrontation with the match officials.
The referee decided to take action and Spalletti was given marching orders. A jubilant Inter held on to the result that took them above their rivals in the Serie A table. AC Milan will be a bit disappointed on the result provided the form they started the year with. Gattuso’s men sit comfortably in fourth place with four points difference from fifth-placed Roma.
Main Photo
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