Milan, a thrilling derby: Inter’s first league loss

The Milan derby turns red and black: Milan defeats an Inter side that was unrecognizable in the first half and unable to respond in the second, 3-1. Moreira was the decisive factor, delivering an extraordinary performance and leading a team that was lethal on the counterattack. For Amorim, it’s a prestigious victory in his first Serie A city derby, while Chivu must come to terms with a loss that once again lays bare the Nerazzurri’s problems.

Inter once again got off to a poor start. Even the formation change chosen by Chivu—with Thuram as the lone striker and Sucic and Diouf in support—contributed to the early difficulties. The Frenchman remained too isolated, and in the first ten minutes, the Nerazzurri were practically nonexistent against an aggressive and far more effective Milan.

It took the Rossoneri just four minutes to break the deadlock, with Moreira playing a key role: he beat Carlos Augusto and sent in a cross that Pulisic met with a header, making it 1-0. Falling behind for the eighth time this season didn’t rattle Inter, who then lost focus on a corner kick in the 10th minute. Rabiot capitalized on the opportunity and slotted the ball into the net, with the Nerazzurri defense and Josep Martinez—who started in place of Provedel, who was out with the flu—far from flawless.

The Nerazzurri tried to respond, particularly through set pieces, posing a threat through Carlos Augusto. In the 22nd minute, the goal that brought the game back to life arrived: a corner kick, a layup by Akanji, and a winning finish by Bastoni. Inter gained confidence and even came close to equalizing through Calhanoglu, but found a great Maignan standing in their way. The Rossoneri goalkeeper repeated the feat shortly afterward with an extraordinary save on Spence.

Once again, it was Milan’s ability to strike at the right moments that made the difference. Just as Inter seemed to have taken control of the match and were pressing with greater consistency, they were dealt a harsh blow. In the 43rd minute, Moreira took a free kick and curled it perfectly: the wall parted, and Martinez—who was slow off his line—was beaten. The teams head into halftime with the score at 3-1, with the Rossoneri goalkeeper also playing a key role in his team’s lead thanks to his earlier saves.

The second half begins with no changes to the Nerazzurri lineup. Chivu made no substitutions and stuck with the 3-4-2-1 formation, with Thuram still too isolated up front. Inter gradually lost momentum and conviction, managing to create danger only with a diving attempt by Carlos Augusto.

Substitutions finally came in the closing minutes, when the Nerazzurri coach brought on Dimarco and switched to a three-man attack, with Pio and Bonny flanking Thuram. It was a belated reaction that did nothing to alter the momentum of the match. Milan tightened up, defended with discipline, and conceded very little, even managing to create a good chance through Cisse.

The final whistle thus sealed the Rossoneri’s victory: Amorim defeated Chivu 3-1 and treated himself to a memorable first derby. Milan climbs to 21 points, moving within four points of Inter, which could be caught and overtaken by Lazio tomorrow.