Heading into the derby, AC Milan found themselves under immense pressure, having secured just five points from a possible 12 and languishing in 13th place in the Serie A table. To add to their woes, Milan had also suffered a demoralizing 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. The stakes were high for coach Fonseca, with rumors swirling that his job was on the line if Milan failed to win against the reigning Italian champions.
A Tactical Gamble That Paid Off
Under intense scrutiny, Fonseca made a bold tactical shift ahead of the derby, changing Milan’s formation from his preferred 4-2-3-1 to a more aggressive 4-4-2 setup. He paired Tammy Abraham with Álvaro Morata in attack, hoping to disrupt Inter’s defensive shape. The move initially appeared risky, but Milan’s determination and focus allowed them to take control of the game.
Milan started with more desire and intensity than Inter, who appeared complacent after six consecutive derby victories. Milan’s proactive approach quickly paid dividends, with Christian Pulisic capitalizing on an individual moment of brilliance in the 10th minute. Pulisic dispossessed Henrikh Mkhitaryan, dribbled past Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and rounded Benjamin Pavard before firing a low shot that left Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer with no chance. It was a fantastic solo goal that sent the Milan fans into a frenzy and gave the Rossoneri a crucial early lead.
However, Inter responded well after conceding. Federico Dimarco equalized in the 27th minute, slotting home a composed finish after Milan briefly lost focus. The goal brought Inter back into the game, but Milan still appeared the hungrier of the two sides, creating more chances throughout the match.
Missed Chances Haunt Milan
Despite their energetic start, Milan struggled to extend their lead, largely due to wasteful finishing. Rafael Leão had two golden opportunities to put Milan ahead early in the second half, but both efforts were thwarted by Sommer. The Swiss goalkeeper was in inspired form, making crucial saves to deny Milan, including a powerful header from Leão in the 47th minute and a low shot in the 70th minute.
Tammy Abraham also missed a glaring chance in the 77th minute, when he found himself one-on-one with Sommer but dragged his shot wide. Abraham, who was under pressure to impress after starting alongside Morata, appeared to go for power over precision, a decision that cost Milan dearly at that moment.
Adding to the drama, VAR overturned a penalty decision against Inter after Lautaro Martínez was initially judged to have handled the ball inside the box. The reversal seemed to take the wind out of Milan’s sails temporarily, but the Rossoneri persisted in their efforts to find a winning goal.
Matteo Gabbia’s Late Heroics Secure Victory
As the clock ticked down, it seemed the match was heading for a draw, but Milan’s persistence finally paid off in the 89th minute. Defender Matteo Gabbia, who had been solid at the back throughout the game, rose to meet Tijjani Reijnders’ perfectly delivered cross and powered a header past Sommer to give Milan the lead. It was a moment of sheer joy for Milan fans, who had been waiting for this breakthrough.
We fought, we won. This is ⚫#InterMilan #SempreMilan
Brought to you by @SN4IFUN pic.twitter.com/tcH43CAvC9— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 23, 2024
Gabbia’s goal proved to be the decisive moment, securing Milan’s first derby win over Inter in six attempts. The result was a significant morale boost for the Rossoneri, who climbed up the Serie A standings after a slow start to the season.
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Fonseca’s Job Saved – For Now
This victory came at a critical time for coach Paulo Fonseca, whose position at Milan had been under intense scrutiny following a string of underwhelming results. The win over Inter not only preserved his job but also gave him breathing room to recalibrate and push Milan back into contention for the Serie A title.
“I’m proud of the way the team responded. We showed character, resilience, and belief. This victory is a stepping stone, and I believe we will build from here,” Fonseca said after the match. He also acknowledged the importance of breaking Milan’s losing streak against Inter: “It’s not just about the points, it’s about restoring pride and confidence.”
Inter’s Missed Opportunity
For Inter Milan, the defeat was a missed opportunity to secure a seventh consecutive derby win and go top of the Serie A table. Simone Inzaghi’s side came into the match unbeaten this season but looked uncharacteristically flat, perhaps complacent after recent successes in the fixture.
Inter’s star-studded lineup, including Lautaro Martínez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, failed to make the desired impact. Despite Dimarco’s equalizer, the Nerazzurri lacked the cutting edge that had seen them dominate previous derbies. Their first defeat of the season leaves them in sixth place, a stark reminder that even the best teams can falter in high-pressure games.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for AC Milan
AC Milan’s 2-1 victory over Inter in the 240th Derby della Madonnina was more than just a win—it was a statement of intent. Paulo Fonseca’s tactical gamble paid off, and his side delivered a spirited performance that should reignite their season. With key players like Pulisic and Gabbia stepping up, Milan will hope to carry this momentum forward in both Serie A and the Champions League.
For Inter, this loss serves as a reality check. Despite their strong start to the season, they must remain focused if they hope to challenge for the Scudetto. The defeat will sting, but Inzaghi’s side has the quality to bounce back.
As the Serie A season progresses, this derby victory may well be remembered as the turning point for Milan—and the match that saved Fonseca’s job.
