Estupinan Fires Milan to Derby Della Madonnina Triumph

Key Takeaways:

• AC Milan achieved a league double over Inter for the first time since 2010/11
• Pervis Estupinan netted the decisive goal as Inter suffered their first Serie A defeat since November’s reverse fixture
• The gap between the Milan giants at the top of Serie A reduced to seven points with 10 matches left

Match Analysis: Milan Secure Crucial Derby Victory

The Serie A title race remains very much in contention after AC Milan prevailed 1-0 in the Derby della Madonnina, securing a league double over Inter for the first time since the 2010/11 campaign. Inter endured their initial league loss since November’s meeting with Milan, when they were defeated in the reverse fixture.

Inter’s last triumph in the derby came as recently as April 2024, but their misfortunes in head-to-head encounters continued just three minutes into this most recent contest. Yann Sommer’s poor distribution gifted possession to Christian Pulisic, who set up Luka Modric for a 20-yard attempt that narrowly missed the target.

And stiiiiiiill, MILANO IS 🔴⚫

Brought to you by @Bitpanda_global pic.twitter.com/oe2rRldDdi

— AC Milan (@acmilan) March 8, 2026

Key Moments and Player Performances

While Milan’s opportunity remained their solitary effort across the opening half-hour, Inter failed to capitalise, limiting themselves to a pair of long-range tries from Federico Dimarco – both failing to find the net. Henrikh Mkhitaryan then attempted to break the deadlock with a driving run, only for Mike Maignan to produce a comfortable save.

Spurred into action, Milan struck almost immediately. Youssouf Fofana threaded a precise pass through to Pervis Estupinan, whose emphatic finish left Sommer with no chance and put the Rossoneri ahead. The hosts pressed for a second, with Alexis Saelemaekers and Adrien Rabiot going close, before Nicolo Barella curled a shot just wide for Inter.

Second-Half Pressures and Statistical Summary

After the interval, Inter emerged with intent despite only two of their previous eight matches featuring goals for both sides. Piotr Zielinski stung Maignan’s gloves at the near post, before Mkhitaryan set up Dimarco, whose effort from 10 yards sailed over.

In response, Milan searched for a decisive second, calling upon Rafael Leao – whose chance flashed across the face of goal – and Fofana, whose powerful shot was parried then gathered by Sommer. Denzel Dumfries delivered a promising solo run on the hour, but without the required finish. The match then lost momentum with injuries to Rabiot and Alessandro Bastoni hampering its tempo.

Cristian Chivu’s men pressed for an equaliser, registering penalty appeals which were dismissed, but ultimately failed to create convincing opportunities. The defeat halted Inter’s eight-match Serie A winning sequence, while they have now recorded only two victories from their previous six fixtures across all competitions.

Title Race Implications

Following this result, the divide between the Rossoneri and Nerazzurri at the summit of Serie A narrows to seven points, with 10 fixtures remaining to determine the Italian champions. Milan recorded just their sixth win in 11 outings, while Inter’s impressive vein of form has faltered, signalling renewed intrigue at the league’s pinnacle.