The unexpected hero delivers the decisive blow at San Siro as Milan defeat Inter and move seven points behind the league leaders on Matchday 28.
AC Milan claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over FC Internazionale Milano in the Derby della Madonnina on Matchday 28 of Serie A.
Pervis Estupiñán was the unlikely match-winner, scoring the decisive goal in the first half to give Milan a result that strengthens their Champions League position and keeps their faint Scudetto hopes alive.
For Inter, it marked their fifth league defeat of the season and ended a 15-match unbeaten run.
Estupiñán’s Moment
The match was tense and balanced for much of the opening half. Inter came closest first in the 34th minute when Henrikh Mkhitaryan surged forward on a solo run but was denied in a one-on-one by Mike Maignan.
Moments later, Milan struck.
Rafael Leão held up the ball and laid it off to Youssouf Fofana, who slipped a perfectly timed pass into the path of Estupiñán. The Ecuadorian fullback surged forward and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot past Yann Sommer in the 35th minute.
It proved to be the decisive moment of the derby.
Inter Struggle Without Firepower
Missing both Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, Inter struggled to create clear chances.
The attacking pair of Bonny and Pio Esposito rarely threatened Milan’s defense, which remained compact and organized throughout the match.
Luis Henrique endured a difficult night on the right flank and was caught out defensively on the winning goal, allowing Estupiñán to run in behind.
Inter pushed forward in the closing stages and nearly found an equalizer from late set pieces, but Milan’s defense held firm.
Milan Hold Firm
Massimiliano Allegri’s side adopted a disciplined defensive approach after taking the lead, defending deep and looking to exploit counterattacks.
Although Leão and Christian Pulisic were not at their sharpest in front of goal, Milan controlled the tempo effectively and limited Inter to half-chances.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Rossoneri faithful — and renewed belief in the title race.
Match Report
Milan 1-0 Inter
Scorer:
35’ Estupiñán (Milan)
Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana (73’ Ricci), Modric, Rabiot, Estupiñán; Pulisic (84’ Nkunku), Leão (73’ Fullkrug).
Head Coach: Allegri
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck (80’ Diouf), Akanji, Bastoni (68’ Carlos Augusto); Luis Henrique (60’ Dumfries), Barella (68’ Frattesi), Zielinski, Mkhitaryan (60’ Sucic), Dimarco; Bonny, Pio Esposito.
Head Coach: Chivu
Referee: Doveri
Bookings: Bastoni (Inter), Dumfries (Inter), Rabiot (Milan), Modric (Milan)
