Mansion Sports – The clash between Inter and AC Milan in Week 12 of the 2025/2026 Serie A season at San Siro delivered a classic derby filled with intensity from the opening whistle.

Amid a tight race at the top of the standings, AC Milan secured victory over Inter Milan through clinical attacking execution and composure in defense.

The result reaffirmed that the Derby della Madonnina remains one of the most captivating city rivalries in world football.

Decisive Goal and Milan’s Attacking Efficiency

Christian Pulisic’s lone goal in the 54th minute became the defining difference in a tightly contested match.

Inter controlled possession with 64 percent of the ball, attempted 16 shots, and produced five efforts on target.

Yet Milan showcased greater efficiency, recording eight shots with three directed at goal. Their advantage grew stronger when Mike Maignan denied a penalty taken by Hakan Calhanoglu in the second half.

Throughout the match, Inter consistently applied pressure and created dangerous opportunities, but Milan responded with discipline and precise use of key moments.

Pulisic’s finish and Maignan’s crucial save were the two turning points that shaped the outcome.

Squad Conditions and Tactical Approaches

For both teams, this derby served as an important opportunity in their pursuit of top-table positions.

Inter played without Denzel Dumfries and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while Marcus Thuram returned to the starting lineup after being sidelined since late September.

Milan fielded an increasingly complete squad with the return of Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, and Fikayo Tomori.

Inter attacked aggressively from the outset. In the 4th minute, Thuram’s diving header nearly opened the scoring, but Maignan pushed it away with swift reflexes.

The pressure continued, including a header from Francesco Acerbi in the 27th minute that struck the crossbar. 

Inter’s intensity grew through additional chances from Lautaro Martinez, all denied by Maignan or the woodwork.

Key Moments That Shifted the Match

Milan attempted to break free from pressure through rapid transitions. Pulisic came close with a curling effort that passed just wide of the far post. The turning point arrived when Youssouf Fofana dispossessed Calhanoglu.

A swift counterattack followed, and Alexis Saelemaekers’ shot—parried by Yann Sommer—fell to Pulisic, who calmly slotted the ball in from close range.

Inter earned a golden opportunity to equalize when VAR awarded a penalty after Strahinja Pavlovic was judged to have fouled Thuram.

Calhanoglu stepped up, but Maignan stretched out one hand to deny the shot, a moment that changed the rhythm and mentality of both sides.

Historical Significance and Match Atmosphere

Beyond the on-field tension, the match carried historical value as it marked the first derby since Inter and AC Milan jointly acquired land in the vicinity of San Siro.

This ownership paves the way for the potential development of a new shared stadium in the coming years.

Players also wore a red mark on their cheeks as a gesture of support for the campaign against violence towards women.

Inter’s Late Push and Milan’s Resilience

Inter continued to chase an equalizer through set-piece variations and Nicolo Barella’s movements, which repeatedly threatened Milan’s defense.

Manuel Akanji and Andy Diouf found openings, but both efforts were contained by Maignan. Ange-Yoan Bonny’s attempt from the corner of the box also sailed over the bar.

Milan maintained discipline and closed down space without panic. Massimiliano Allegri instructed his midfielders to form a compact defensive block, making it difficult for Inter to produce clear chances in the final 15 minutes.

When the final whistle sounded, Milan stood as the victor through two essential contributions: Pulisic’s precise finish and Maignan’s instinctive penalty save.

The win lifted the Rossoneri to second place in the standings and underscored that quality in decisive moments continues to be the defining factor in a derby of this magnitude.

Match Statistics: Inter vs Milan

Table of match statistics