Pulisic Shines as AC Milan Edge Inter in Derby della Madonnina

Christian Pulisic made the difference in the Derby della Madonnina, guiding AC Milan to a vital 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in a fiercely contested Serie A showdown.

Christian Pulisic Inspires AC Milan’s Derby Triumph

Christian Pulisic’s decisive contribution proved the difference as AC Milan climbed to second in the Serie A table, just two points behind leaders Roma. The high-stakes Milan derby lived up to its reputation, with both teams displaying intensity and discipline from the kickoff.

Inter Milan dominated early possession, controlling 58% of the ball and outshooting Milan 10-4 in the opening half. Lautaro Martínez came agonizingly close to giving Inter the lead, but his thunderous effort crashed off the post. AC Milan, meanwhile, stayed organized at the back, with goalkeeper Mike Maignan making several crucial saves to keep the match scoreless.

Pulisic’s Moment of Brilliance Breaks the Deadlock

The breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute when Alexis Saelemaekers surged down the right flank, unleashing a shot that forced a strong save from Inter keeper Yann Sommer. Pulisic reacted quickest to the rebound, smashing home from close range to ignite the Rossoneri faithful at San Siro.

Not content with his goal, Pulisic continued to trouble Inter’s defense, completing two out of four dribbles and delivering three incisive passes into the final third. His sharp movement and vision created problems for Inter throughout his 78 minutes on the pitch, underlining his growing influence in Serie A.

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Mike Maignan Stands Tall for Milan

Inter Milan responded with urgency, pushing for an equalizer. Their golden opportunity came in the 71st minute when Strahinja Pavlović brought down Marcus Thuram in the box. Turkish midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu stepped up for the penalty, but Mike Maignan guessed correctly and produced a superb save, preserving Milan’s slender lead.

Maignan’s heroics proved crucial, as he made a total of six saves on the night. His composure and shot-stopping ability gave Milan the platform to see out the final 20 minutes, frustrating Inter’s attack and securing three massive points for Max Allegri’s side.

Key Performers: Pulisic and Maignan Share the Spotlight

While Christian Pulisic’s clinical finish sealed the win, Mike Maignan’s reliability between the posts was equally significant. Both players deserve recognition as joint MVPs of the match. Pulisic maximized his opportunities, showing composure in front of goal, while Maignan’s penalty save and overall command of his area provided confidence to Milan’s backline.

Inter’s Missed Chances and Calhanoglu’s Costly Error

For Inter Milan, the loss stings even more given their early dominance and missed opportunities. Hakan Calhanoglu, despite orchestrating several promising attacks, will regret his missed penalty, which proved to be a turning point. This marks the Nerazzurri’s sixth consecutive derby without a victory over their city rivals, a run that now sees them fall to fourth place in the table.

Christian Pulisic’s Serie A Impact Continues to Grow

Pulisic has quickly established himself as one of Serie A’s standout performers. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments underlines why he has earned the nickname “Captain America.” With his blend of technical skill, sharp instincts, and relentless work ethic, Pulisic is becoming an indispensable figure for AC Milan as they mount their title challenge.

What This Means for AC Milan and Inter

This hard-fought victory breathes new life into Milan’s Scudetto ambitions. Just two points behind Roma, the Rossoneri are firmly in the hunt. The focus will now be on maintaining consistency through upcoming fixtures and maximizing the impact of players like Pulisic and Maignan.

Inter, on the other hand, find themselves needing to regroup after another disappointing derby outcome. Their inability to convert chances remains a concern, and with other Serie A contenders gaining momentum, Simone Inzaghi’s side must respond quickly to avoid losing further ground.

Opinion: Pulisic Proves His Serie A Class

Few players have made as immediate an impact in Serie A as Christian Pulisic this season. His knack for decisive contributions in critical games is testament to his quality and mentality. While Mike Maignan’s reliability in goal continues to be a foundation for Milan, it’s Pulisic’s flair and finishing that are setting the Rossoneri apart in these big moments. If his form holds, there’s little doubt he’ll be counted among the league’s very best by season’s end.