Pulisic's Strike Secures AC Milan's Derby Bragging Rights Over Inter

Inter's dominance in possession and shots could not translate into goals, as AC Milan capitalized on a crucial moment to claim a 1-0 victory in the Derby della Madonnina. Despite controlling 60% of the ball and outshooting Milan 14 to 6, Inter found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreline, highlighting a stark contrast between statistical superiority and actual performance.

Christian Pulisic emerged as the hero for AC Milan, scoring the decisive goal in the 54th minute. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Milan, who had struggled with consistency in recent matches, including back-to-back draws against lower-ranked teams. Pulisic's goal not only secured three points but also showcased his ability to deliver when it mattered most, reinforcing his importance to the squad.

Inter's recent form had been impressive, with eight wins in their last eleven matches prior to this fixture. Their attacking prowess was evident, averaging over 11 total shots per game in recent outings. Yet, this match exposed a critical flaw: despite their offensive efforts, they failed to convert chances into goals. The expected goals (xG) metric further illustrates this discrepancy, with Inter registering an xG of just 0.56 compared to Milan's 0.95. This suggests that while Inter created opportunities, they lacked the clinical edge needed to finish.

Lautaro Martínez, who has been a standout performer for Inter this season, was unable to find the back of the net. His partnership with Hakan Çalhanoğlu has been pivotal in previous matches, but today they were stifled by a resilient Milan defense led by Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlović. The defensive unit's ability to absorb pressure and limit Inter's clear-cut chances was crucial in securing the win.

Milan's tactical setup under coach Marco Landucci proved effective against Inter's attacking style. The 3-5-2 formation allowed them to maintain defensive solidity while also providing outlets for quick counter-attacks. This strategy paid off as they absorbed pressure and struck decisively when the opportunity arose. The midfield battle was fiercely contested, with Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić playing key roles in transitioning from defense to attack.

Inter's inability to capitalize on their chances raises questions about their finishing ability moving forward. Despite dominating possession and passing accuracy at 90%, they only managed three shots on target throughout the match. This inefficiency could prove costly as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the Serie A standings.

The defeat leaves Inter with a record of eight wins and three losses this season, still holding first place with 24 points. However, this loss could serve as a wake-up call for a team that has relied heavily on its attacking capabilities without addressing its finishing woes. They will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next match against Pisa if they hope to bounce back and solidify their lead.

For AC Milan, this victory is a much-needed boost after a series of disappointing results. With 22 points from eleven matches, they remain in contention for the title race, now just two points behind their city rivals. The win not only enhances their confidence but also reinforces their status as serious challengers in Serie A.

Looking ahead, both teams face crucial fixtures that will test their resolve. Inter must find a way to convert their dominance into goals, while Milan will aim to build on this momentum against Lazio. The Derby della Madonnina has once again proven that in football, statistics can often tell one story while the scoreboard tells another.