Christian Pulisic didn’t celebrate with fireworks. He didn’t even sprint far. Just a quiet turn, a nod to the fans, and a fist to his chest — as if to say, Derby della Madonnina belongs to us again. On November 23, 2025, at 8:45 PM CET, the San Siro shook not with chaos, but with catharsis. AC Milan defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in front of 75,562 fans, extending their unbeaten streak in the derby to five straight matches — and sending a message to the rest of Serie A: this isn’t just a bounce-back. It’s a declaration.
The Goal That Changed Everything
The moment came in the 54th minute. Alexis Saelemaekers, the Belgian winger whose season had been quietly brilliant, fired a low drive from 25 yards. Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer parried it — not away, but right into the path of Christian Pulisic. No fancy move. No acrobatics. Just a tap-in. One touch. One goal. The kind of finish that only comes when you’re in the right place, at the right time, with your eyes wide open.
It wasn’t the prettiest goal of the season. But in a derby, that’s often how the most important ones are scored.
Inter’s Missed Chances, Milan’s Grit
Inter Milan, under new manager Cristian Chivu, controlled 62% of possession. They had the better chances — at least on paper. Francesco Acerbi’s 27th-minute header off a Hakan Çalhanoğlu corner smacked the post with a sound like a gunshot. Lautaro Martínez, who came on early, looked sharp but was isolated. Marcus Thuram, one of Serie A’s most dangerous forwards, was constantly double-teamed. And then there was the penalty.
In the 73rd minute, Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlovic stepped on Thuram’s foot in the box. Referee Simone Sozza pointed to the spot. Çalhanoğlu, Inter’s captain and chief playmaker, stepped up. He sent the ball screaming toward the bottom corner. But Mike Maignan, AC Milan’s 27-year-old captain and French international, didn’t just save it — he clawed it away like a man protecting his home. The rebound bounced off the post. The crowd held its breath. Then silence. Then roar.
"That save," said former Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso on Sky Sport Italy, "was worth three points. Not just because of the penalty, but because it broke Inter’s spirit. They thought they had it. Then Maignan reminded them who owns this stadium on derby days."
A Tactical Battle in the Midfield
What made this match fascinating wasn’t just the goal — it was the midfield tug-of-war. Luka Modrić, at 39, played like a man 10 years younger. He didn’t sprint. He dictated. He moved like a chess master, always one step ahead. His pass to Saelemaekers wasn’t just accurate — it was poetic. Meanwhile, Inter’s Nicolò Barella, their engine, was shadowed relentlessly by Youssouf Fofana and Adrien Rabiot. Barella had space early, but by the 60th minute, he was running in circles.
AC Milan’s substitutions told the story. Pulisic came off in the 78th minute — not because he was tired, but because the game was won. Samuel Chukwueze, the Nigerian speedster, came on to kill time. Inter’s changes came too late. Diouf and Zieliński entered with 10 minutes left. Too little, too late.
The Bigger Picture: League Implications
Before kickoff, Inter sat third, chasing Roma with momentum. AC Milan had just lost 2-1 in Parma, and questions swirled about their title credentials. Now? Milan are second with 25 points — tied with Napoli, just two behind AS Roma. Inter? Fourth. Five points behind the leaders. The gap isn’t massive. But in Serie A, where every point is a battle, the psychological blow of losing the derby — especially after dominating — is devastating.
"They were supposed to be the team surging," said CBS Sports analyst Marco Verratti. "But this result? It’s not just a setback. It’s a reset. Now they’ve got to chase, and chasing in Milan is a different kind of pressure."
What’s Next?
AC Milan’s next test? A home clash against Lazio on November 29, 2025, at 8:45 PM CET — another top-four contender. Inter, meanwhile, face a tricky away match against Sassuolo on December 1. Both teams have Champions League ambitions. But only one walked out of San Siro believing they can still dream of the Scudetto.
"The Derby is ours," read AC Milan’s official match report. "Milano is Rossonera. Forza Milan!"
And for once, even the Inter fans didn’t argue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Christian Pulisic’s goal impact AC Milan’s Champions League chances?
Pulisic’s goal lifted AC Milan to 25 points, placing them just two behind league leaders AS Roma. With only four points separating second from sixth in Serie A, every win matters. This victory — especially in a derby — boosts morale and TV revenue, both critical for Champions League qualification. Pulisic now has six league goals this season, making him Milan’s top scorer and a key reason they’re in contention.
Why was Mike Maignan’s penalty save so decisive?
Inter had dominated possession and created more clear chances, but they hadn’t scored. When Çalhanoğlu’s penalty was saved, it wasn’t just a stop — it was a turning point. Inter’s players visibly deflated. The crowd’s energy shifted. Maignan’s rebound clearance prevented a second chance. In a tight game, that single moment changed the outcome more than any other play.
What does this result mean for Cristian Chivu’s future at Inter Milan?
Chivu, who replaced Simone Inzaghi in June 2025, was under pressure to deliver results quickly. Inter had won four of their last five matches before the derby. Losing this one — especially with so many chances — raises questions. While one defeat won’t cost him his job, failing to beat rivals in big games is a red flag in Milan. If Inter drop more points to rivals like Napoli and Lazio, the board may reconsider.
How significant is AC Milan’s five-match unbeaten streak in the derby?
It’s historic. Before this run, Inter had won four of the previous five derbies. AC Milan’s current streak — their longest since 2003-2005 — shows a psychological shift. The Rossoneri now enter these matches as favorites, not underdogs. That’s a change in identity. It also means Inter’s players, many of whom grew up dreaming of wearing Nerazzurri, now feel the weight of losing to their rivals.
Why did Luka Modrić play such a pivotal role at age 39?
Modrić didn’t run more than anyone else — he ran smarter. He intercepted passes, turned quickly, and released Saelemaekers with a single touch. His experience allowed him to read Inter’s patterns before they formed. In a high-pressure derby, that’s invaluable. AC Milan’s coach, Paulo Fonseca, later said, "He doesn’t play like a veteran. He plays like a conductor. And tonight, he led the orchestra perfectly."
What does this result say about Serie A’s title race?
AS Roma still leads, but the gap is narrowing. Napoli, Milan, and even Napoli are now within striking distance. Inter’s loss means the top four is more open than ever. With only 10 games left, this derby result could be the difference between Champions League football and Europa League. It’s not just about points — it’s about momentum, belief, and who believes they can win it.