A Record-Breaking Derby, Milan Celebrates: What Happened in the First Half

The Curva Sud is once again visible in its entirety. Among the latest developments ahead of the fall derby between Milan and Inter is the removal of the safety tarps that, since the start of the 2019-20 season, had prevented the use of three sections of the third blue tier. The decision had been made by the Provincial Supervisory Commission due to excessive vibrations detected in the structure.

The reopening of these sections has increased the stadium’s capacity by 2,350 seats, bringing the total number of spectators to over 77,000. During the pre-game, it was thus possible to see the Curva Sud at full capacity—already packed by around 8:00 p.m.—a sight that had been missing for several seasons.

However, this is not the all-time attendance record for a derby at San Siro. In 2017, an Inter-Milan match drew 78,328 spectators, while in the 20th century, attendance figures even reached between 90,000 and 100,000 people, when entry checks were significantly less stringent.

Kaká, on the other hand, won the pre-game decibel challenge. When the announcer revealed that the former Brazilian star was in the stands, the Curva Sud responded with a roar, amplified by the additional 2,350 fans who had returned to fill the third tier. The start of the “Straccittadina” belonged entirely to the Rossoneri, who opened the scoring immediately with Pulisic and doubled their lead with Rabiot. Bastoni then pulled one back, but before halftime, a free kick by Moreira made it 3-1.