Matteo Gabbia secured a thrilling late victory for AC Milan against Inter Milan on Sunday, scoring with a powerful header to clinch a 2-1 win and local bragging rights.
In the 89th minute, Gabbia rose above the defense to convert Tijjani Reijnders’ free-kick, marking a crucial win that pulls Milan out of a challenging early-season slump. This victory places both teams at eight points in seventh position.
The match began with Milan taking an early lead through Christian Pulisic’s impressive individual effort in the 10th minute. However, Federico Dimarco equalized for Inter just before the half-hour mark, leveling the score at 1-1.
“They played with a lot of courage today and I think we deserved to win. I can’t remember another team that have created so many problems for Inter like we did today,” said Milan’s coach, Paulo Fonseca, in an interview with DAZN.
Milan’s win ended Inter’s streak of six consecutive derby victories and prevented their rivals from claiming the top spot in Serie A on goal difference, with Torino currently leading the league.
The win provides a boost for Fonseca, easing the pressure on the new coach after a challenging start to the season. Inter’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, acknowledged their performance, stating, “They were the better team tonight; we didn’t play as a team, and that’s not something you can usually say about us.”
Milan’s recent struggles were evident after a disappointing defeat to Liverpool earlier in the week, but the fans rallied behind the team at a lively San Siro. Milan created several scoring opportunities in the second half but were nearly denied by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Sommer made a remarkable save against Rafael Leao shortly after the second half began and later denied Reijnders and Leao again, keeping Inter in the game. However, Gabbia’s late goal sparked celebrations among Milan supporters, marking a significant moment in their season.
“It was pretty difficult when things weren’t going well, but this win will really help push us forward,” Gabbia stated to DAZN. “There are always tough moments in life; all we can do is not have regrets at the final whistle, and that’s what happened today.”
