In one of the biggest soccer derbies in the world, Derby Della Madonnina, Inter defeated its city nemesis AC Milan. The final result in the end 4-2, for Nerazzurri. It was a spectacular game with two totally different halves, the first in which Milan dominated, and the second marked by Inter’s astonishing comeback.
Antonio Conte’s side was down 2-0 after conceding goals in the final five minutes of the opening half. It was a shocker who would keep their fans almost silent throughout the 15-minute break. However, a superb rally saw their favorites turning this match upside down, and more importantly, getting back into the title race.
“The first half was tough for us, but everyone in the stadium saw the mentality of this Inter, our refusal to give up and our desire to win,” said Romelu Lukaku, the scorer of the last goal for the winners.
Inter entered this contest slowly and fearfully, which Milan used in the best possible way. Led by Zlatan Ibrahimovic upfront, who had massive help from Ante Rebic and Theo Hernandez, Milan seized the control of the pitch early. Rossoneri quickly imposed their own tempo, pressuring the midfield of their rivals.
The reward for that came in the 40th minute, once Inter’s reserve goalkeeper who started this clash, Daniele Padelli, made a mistake which allowed Zlatan to assist Rebic for the lead. But that wasn’t the end. In the first minute of the injury time, Ibrahimovic doubled the edge after executing almost alone at the far post of Padelli’s goal. The ball reached the Swedish superstar following a corner, and he didn’t have any problems to score.
But the start of the second half saw a hurricane of Nerazzurri. Marcelo Brozovic cut the lead in the 51st minute, and just 120 later, Matias Vecino’s score leveled the score. Alexis Sanches’ fantastic maneuver with whom he avoided an offside trap preceded this goal.
The momentum was on Inter’s side, and they quickly used it to eradicate Milan’s morale. Stefan de Vrij’s header in the 70th minute was unstoppable for Donnarumma.
“I saw the ball coming, when I turned around, I saw the ball was in the net and it was an incredible feeling,” said the Dutch defender. “I scored in the derby last year too, these are memories you will have forever.”
In the last moments of the clash, Lukaku posted his name on the scoresheet also.
Milan had a chance to equalize, but Zlatan’s header from the nearby was stopped by the woodwork. It was the last chance for Rosonerri, whose performance in the second half could only be described as horrendous.
It’s no wonder why their manager Stefano Pioli didn’t hide his displeasure after the game.
“I am angry with my players, because we had some defensive duties in those situations and the moment we let it go, we were punished,” he stated.
Inter is now leveled with Juventus at the top of the Serie A table with 54 points. The title race will no doubt be thrilling, as these two teams have Lazio breathing down their neck with 53 points. Milan is sitting 10th with 32 points.