Inter vs Milan: century-long rivalry or recent dominance who truly owns the city’s football pride? Know now
Introduction
Inter vs Milan: The much-anticipated Milan Derby between Inter and AC Milan on November 23, 2025, delivered a fascinating tactical battle full of intense moments and key individual performances. AC Milan earned a narrow 1-0 win thanks to Christian Pulisic’s decisive goal, underlined by impressive goalkeeping from Mike Maignan who saved a crucial penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu.
The Milan Derby’s Significance
The derby is one of football’s most electrifying fixtures, steeped in decades of rivalry and pride. The 2025 encounter added a fresh chapter as AC Milan looked to cement their resurgence while Inter aimed to regain dominance.
Match Overview and Final Score
AC Milan won 1-0, with the lone goal coming from Pulisic early in the second half. Despite Inter’s controlled possession and numerous attempts— including a header off the post and saved attempts by Maignan—Milan’s defensive resilience held firm.
Tactical Setup and Formations
Both teams lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, emphasizing wing-backs and midfield battles.
- Inter’s coach Cristian Chivu focused on aggressive pressing and creating chances through Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.
- Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri opted for a compact shape, relying on counter-attacks and disciplined defense, with an emphasis on marking and midfield control from Modric and Rabiot.
Key Players and Performances
- Christian Pulisic: Scored the decisive goal and showcased his ability to seize moments.
- Mike Maignan: The standout goalkeeper, making crucial saves, including a penalty stop.
- Hakan Calhanoglu: Created multiple chances and took the penalty that was saved.
- Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram: Key offensive threats for Inter, pressing Milan’s defense consistently.
Turning Points: Pulisic’s Goal and Penalty Save
Pulisic’s strike shifted momentum decisively towards Milan. Later, Maignan’s penalty save kept Inter at bay, highlighting the fine margins in a tight derby.
Squad Updates and Injuries
Inter featured new signings like Petar Sučić and Luis Henrique, while Milan’s squad showcased depth with players like Luka Modric returning from injury.
Serie A Implications and Standings
The result lifted Milan to second place in Serie A, heightening their ambitions for the title and Champions League qualification. Inter dropped to fourth, prompting tactical reassessments.
Fan and Expert Reactions
The victory was praised for Milan’s resilience and tactical maturity, while Inter’s failure to convert possession into goals triggered criticism and calls for strategic adjustments.
FAQs
Q1. What formations did Inter and Milan use in the 2025 derby?
Both teams deployed a 3-5-2 system emphasizing midfield control and wing-back attacks, adapting dynamically during the match.
Q2. Who scored the winning goal for Milan?
Christian Pulisic scored the sole goal that decided the match shortly after halftime.
Q3. How did Maignan influence the match?
Maignan made several crucial saves including a penalty from Calhanoglu, preserving Milan’s lead and securing the win.
Q4. What was the significance of this Milan derby result?
The win solidified Milan’s second-place standing in Serie A, intensifying their title challenge and impacting Inter’s season outlook.
Q5. Where can I find official match statistics and lineups?
Official lineups, statistics, and detailed reports are available on Serie A’s and club websites, such as [URL A with anchor] and [URL B with anchor].
Conclusion
The 2025 Milan Derby was a masterclass in tactical discipline and individual brilliance. For fans and analysts, the match reaffirmed the intense rivalry’s place at the heart of Serie A drama.
