Pulisic Goal and Maignan Penalty Save Seal Milan's 1-0 Derby Win Over Inter

Christian Pulisic ended a month-long goal drought with a razor-sharp finish, and Mike Maignan stood tall on the penalty spot — Serie A derby magic at its finest. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, AC Milan edged out Inter Milan 1-0 at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), in front of 75,562 fans, extending their stunning recent dominance in one of football’s fiercest rivalries. The win wasn’t just about points — it was about momentum, mentality, and a statement that AC Milan are no longer just chasing the title, they’re ready to take it.

How Pulisic Broke the Drought

It wasn’t a spectacular solo run or a curling free-kick. It was pure instinct. In the 37th minute, Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer parried a low cross from AC Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoglu. The ball bounced loose near the six-yard box — and there was Christian Pulisic, jersey number 10, like a predator pouncing. No hesitation. One touch. Goal. His first since October 19, and his first in a derby since 2023. "It was pure chaos," Pulisic told reporters afterward. "I just saw the ball bounce and went for it. If you don’t react, you’re out of the game." The goal came during a rare moment of offensive pressure from the Rossoneri. AC Milan had been content to sit deep, absorb pressure, and strike on the break — a tactic perfected by manager Massimiliano Allegri. "We knew they’d come at us," Allegri said post-match. "Our job wasn’t to out-pass them. It was to out-think them."

Maignan’s Masterclass

If Pulisic provided the spark, it was Mike Maignan who held the flame. The French captain, wearing the armband for the first time since returning from injury, delivered what Serie A’s official match analysis called an “unbeatable” performance. His standout moment came in the 58th minute, when Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez was fouled in the box. The Argentine stepped up to take the penalty — but Maignan guessed right, diving low to his left and getting a fingertip on the ball. The rebound was cleared by Fikayo Tomori. "He’s not just a goalkeeper," said AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlović. "He’s the heartbeat." Maignan made five key saves total, including two one-on-one stops in the final 20 minutes. His performance was so commanding that even Inter fans in the stands gave him a rare standing ovation.

The Tactical Chess Match

Inter came out firing. Captain Lautaro Martínez, backed by the relentless energy of Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoglu, dominated possession in the first half, controlling 62% of the ball. But AC Milan’s defense — anchored by Tomori and the returning Malick Gabbia — held firm. The Rossoneri’s backline didn’t just block shots; they disrupted passing lanes, forcing Inter into low-percentage crosses and long balls.

The substitution pattern told the story. Inter swapped out Çalhanoglu, Martínez, and Dimarco by the 78th minute, desperate for a breakthrough. Meanwhile, Allegri kept his shape, bringing on fresh legs in Saelemaekers and Rafael Leão, who added pace on the counter. The final 15 minutes were a masterclass in defensive discipline. When Inter Milan finally pushed five men forward, AC Milan held with six defenders — and still had the ball in the final third on the break.

Why This Win Matters More Than the Table

The standings tell a partial story. AC Milan moved to 22 points from 11 games, sitting second behind Napoli (25 points). Inter Milan remained third with 24 points — but they’ve lost three games, all to direct rivals. Meanwhile, AC Milan have drawn four times — and still won this derby. That’s the difference.

This was the fifth straight unbeaten derby for the Rossoneri — three wins and two draws since February 2024. They’ve now won three of the last four meetings, including the Supercoppa in January and a 2-1 home win last September. The psychological edge is shifting. "It’s not about points anymore," said AC Milan analyst Luca Tasselli. "It’s about belief. The players know they can beat Inter. That’s rare."

What’s Next?

The next chapter comes in March or April 2026, when the teams meet again at San Siro — this time with Inter Milan as the home side. But the narrative has changed. Where Inter used to dominate the derby mentally, now it’s AC Milan that carries the swagger. With Pulisic back scoring, Maignan commanding the backline, and Allegri’s system clicking, the Rossoneri look like genuine title contenders. Napoli still leads, but the gap is narrowing — and every point now feels like a battle.

Historical Context: The Derby’s New Chapter

For decades, Inter held the upper hand in derbies, especially during their 2006–2010 golden era. But since 2022, the tide has turned. AC Milan won the 2022 Supercoppa, drew in 2023, and have now won three of the last four. This isn’t luck. It’s evolution. Allegri’s experience in big games, the emergence of young talents like Pavlović, and the maturity of Maignan have created a team that thrives under pressure. Meanwhile, Inter’s reliance on Martínez and Barella has become predictable. They’re still dangerous — but no longer untouchable.