The 130th instalment of the Derby della Madonnina can be labelled as one of the best Milan derbies we have seen in recent years. Milan Derby had lost its excitement in the last couple of years when the two teams had a downfall after dominating Europe for so long. When the teams were weakened, it also affected the derby. The prestigious Derby della Madonnina had only the name and history to hold on to for a long time.
Now, the situation is turning around. Inter Milan and AC Milan are reinforcing their team, and now their position in Serie A tells the whole story. Inter Milan is leading the point table, and AC Milan is second. Both teams have equal chances to win the Scudetto at the end of this season. It’s just like the good old days.
This season’s second Milan Derby was very crucial for both teams as it would give a much-needed boost in the title race. This season’s first derby, which happened in November 2021, ended in a 1-1 draw.
But before the match, Inter Milan’s manager Simone Inzaghi ruled off the thoughts about the game becoming fundamental in the title race.
“We saw what happened in the first half of the season. We were seven points off the top and managed to close the gap,” Inzaghi told a news conference. “We know what the derby means for the fans, but there are 15 games to go, and 45 points left to play for.”
Both teams kicked off the game at San Siro without AC Milan’s star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He was out due to some injuries.
Inter Milan started the game strongly. But the Rossoneri goalkeeper Mike Maignan was on superb form and made a couple of saves to deny the opponents.
But it was not enough to stop the Nerazzurri. They scored the opening goal in the 28th minute through Ivan Perisic. Both teams gave their best, and San Siro was electric as time ran.
AC Milan’s relentless pressure gave the product in the 75th minute when Oliver Giroud, who started the match as Zlatan was injured, scored the equaliser. It was enough for the Rossoneri to boost up. The French striker scored the second and the winning goal for AC Milan within three minutes.
Theo Hernandez was sent off deep in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Dumfries, but Milan did not need to hang on for long to record their first Milan derby comeback win since February 2004.
This win also helped AC Milan to reduce their gap to one point with Inter. They also broke the current champions 14-match unbeaten run in the league.
“I was a bit frustrated in the first half, like the whole team, because we didn’t play well, and we knew that,” Giroud told. “After the break, we showed a great team spirit. We are back!
“The road is still long. We are in the race, but there are a lot of games left to play and Inter remain on top.”
The game showed us the intensity and exciting moments the fans used to miss in the Milan Derby, especially the Rossoneri. They are on the path of resurrection, and they will be back soon to reign Europe in the coming years.
