Maignan and Pulisic lift AC Milan to 2nd place
In a crucial Derby della Madonnina with major title implications, AC Milan emerged victorious thanks to a decisive strike from U.S. international Christian Pulisic.
Despite Milan’s win, it was Inter who controlled much of the match. Simone Inzaghi’s side dominated possession and came close to scoring, only to be denied by the woodwork as Mike Maignan watched a powerful effort bounce off his post. Under pressure, Milan held firm, resisting wave after wave of Inter attacks. Their few counterattacks, led by the duo of Rafael Leão and Pulisic—fielded as the central striker—lacked clinical finishing.
The second half shifted dramatically. Milan struck on a lightning-fast counter, with Alexis Saelemaekers carrying the ball up the pitch before seeing his shot saved by Yann Sommer. Pulisic reacted quickest, pouncing on the rebound to make it 1–0.
Inter pressed relentlessly afterward, introducing breakout star Ange-Yoan Bony for an unusually ineffective Lautaro Martínez. The Nerazzurri earned a penalty when Pavlović brought down the lively Marcus Thuram. But Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s attempt was brilliantly stopped by “Magic Mike” Maignan, sealing a massive 0–1 win for AC Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Milan climb to second, while Inter drop to fourth.
Elsewhere : Roma on top
Across the league, leaders AS Roma secured a 3–1 win away at Cremonese, with goals from Matías Soulé, Lewis Ferguson, and Wesley. Lazio defeated Lecce, and Parma claimed a solid victory against Hellas Verona.