AC Milan Beat Inter 1-0 with Pulisic Goal, Maignan Heroics

AC Milan secured a dramatic 1-0 win over city rivals Inter Milan at the San Siro on Sunday, thanks to Christian Pulisic’s decisive goal and goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s heroics from the penalty spot. The result was crucial in the race for the Serie A Scudetto, as AC Milan moved up to second place, while Inter slipped to fourth.

Inter had arrived at the derby on a three-match winning streak and was hoping to return to the top of the table. However, AS Roma’s earlier 3-1 victory at Cremonese put them in first place, leaving little room for mistakes in this tight title race. Milan, now on 25 points, are two behind Roma and level with defending champions Napoli, while Inter and Bologna share 24 points.

The opening half was intense, with Inter creating most of the chances. Maignan was in top form, saving several attempts, including a full-stretch one-handed stop from Marcus Thuram and a header from Francesco Acerbi that struck the post. Lautaro Martinez’s volley also tested the Milan goalkeeper, who kept his team in the game until halftime. Pulisic came close with a curling shot from distance, hinting at the breakthrough to come.

The winning moment arrived nine minutes after the second half began. Milan launched a swift counter-attack from their own half, with Youssouf Fofana feeding Alexis Saelemaekers. His low shot was parried by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, and Pulisic reacted quickest to slot the rebound into the net, giving Milan a 1-0 lead.

Milan continued to press and create opportunities, with Rafael Leao nearly connecting with a Saelemaekers cross and Fofana’s effort saved by Sommer. Inter appeared desperate to find an equalizer when a foul by Strahinja Pavlovic gave them a penalty 16 minutes from full time. Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up, but Maignan’s clever positioning forced him to shoot to the keeper’s right. Maignan read the shot perfectly, blocked it, and punched the ball clear to earn Milan a crucial corner.

The rest of the match saw Inter dominate possession, but Milan absorbed the pressure and defended efficiently. The victory extends AC Milan’s undefeated streak against Inter in the last six derbies, demonstrating their dominance in local clashes. The result not only boosts Milan’s confidence but also sends a message to rivals in the tightly contested Serie A title race.

Milan’s mix of tactical discipline, fast counter-attacks, and a goalkeeper in peak form proved decisive. Pulisic’s clinical finish and Maignan’s key saves highlighted the team’s ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches. AC Milan now look well-positioned to challenge for the Serie A title, while Inter must regroup quickly to remain in contention.

Fans and analysts praised Milan’s composure and efficiency, particularly in converting one clear chance and defending stoutly under late pressure. The derby win at San Siro gives AC Milan both bragging rights in the city and a vital boost in the league standings, keeping the fight for the Scudetto very much alive.