AC Milan secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Inter in the Derby della Madonnina on Saturday in what could prove to be a huge result in the context of the season as a whole.
The Rossoneri fell behind in the first half as Marcelo Brozovic scored for Inter after bursting through the heart of our defence before producing a composed finish past Mike Maignan.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Sassuolo: Bennacer, Maignan key, lacklustre attack
However, our response was excellent as Rafael Leao drew us level before the break with a fierce left-footed effort into the opposite corner, while Olivier Giroud put us ahead shortly after the interval before Leao struck again with a superb solo goal after cutting in from the left side and producing a brilliant finish to stretch our lead.
Edin Dzeko reduced Inter’s deficit soon after as the Nerazzurri piled on the pressure to find an equaliser, but Milan stood firm and held on to secure all three points and potentially dealt a major blow in the Serie A title race to a direct rival despite it still being so early given the importance of the H2H records.
AC Milan player ratings vs Inter:
Mike Maignan, 8 – Little more he could have done to prevent the goals, but he produced some absolutely fundamental saves to deny Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu to protect our lead and secure the win. Continues to prove himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
Davide Calabria, 6 – A solid defensive shift throughout as he kept things tight down the right side, perhaps could have done better for the second Inter goal to cut out the threat down that flank but an important contribution.
Pierre Kalulu, 6 – Will be disappointed with the first goal along with his centre-half partner as they left a gaping hole in the backline, but he did an important job thereafter to tighten things up and limit Inter as much as possible.
Fikayo Tomori, 6 – Similar story to Kalulu in that he will feel disappointed with the two goals and could have done more, especially for the second as he was beaten by Dzeko to the cross. Reacted well though and put in a solid defensive display to finish the game.
Theo Hernandez, 6.5 – Did well in his link up with Leao as our attacking play down the left is always so important. Put in a good defensive shift too despite picking up an early caution with Inter causing us problems out wide throughout.
Sandro Tonali, 7.5 – Work-rate was superb throughout before he was replaced late on as he popped up everywhere across the pitch both in the defensive and offensive phases. Provided the pass to Leao for our equaliser and could have had a goal himself but for a poor finish.
Ismael Bennacer, 7.5 – Another superb performance as he manages the game so well for us in both phases. Wins the ball back consistently, sets the tone and tempo of our play with possession and does well to stitch everything together to have a big influence in the middle of the pitch.
Messias Jr, 6 – Works hard for the team and continues to put in an important shift defensively for us by adding balance on that side of the pitch when we attack down the left. However, a similar story in that he struggled to provide enough attacking quality to balance that out.
Charles De Ketelaere, 6 – Showed more positive signs with his physical and technical qualities to open things up in the final third for us to create for himself and others. However, a couple of moments where he made mistakes defensively both in losing Brozovic’s run for his goal and picking up a booking to give away a dangerous free-kick. Overall though, continues to show plenty of potential.
Rafael Leao, 9 – If he was quiet in midweek, he came storming back to his best in this one as he scored two brilliant goals and provided the assist for Giroud’s goal. Was a constant menace with his pace and direct running down our left flank, and it’s this level of performance he needs to find consistently to ensure he’s a nightmare for any opposition we face.
Olivier Giroud, 7.5 – Once again he found a way to score a big goal in a big game. Peeled off brilliantly from the Inter defenders to find space in the box, was picked out with an excellent pass from Leao, and although it wasn’t the greatest of connections, he found the back of the net to turn the game around.
Substitutes:
Brahim Diaz, 6 – Worked hard to press and put pressure on Inter in the last half hour and won back the ball to give us some much-needed respite.
Alexis Saelemaekers, 6 – Similar to Origi in that he played a key role defensively with fresh legs late on to protect our lead.
Divock Origi, 6 – Worked well off the ball in the latter stages as Inter pushed for an equaliser. Shanked a chance wide to score on the counter late on but an important contribution nonetheless.
Tommaso Pobega, N/A
Simon Kjaer, N/A