Pervis Estupinán (right) celebrates after scoring. © ANSA / MATTEO BAZZI

Pure spectacle: Milan dresses in red and black

For the entire last week, the metropolis of Milan was in a state of heightened excitement. Why? On Sunday evening, Milan and Inter faced off in one of the world's most famous and exciting city derbies, the "Derby della Madonnina." A spectacular match was practically guaranteed.

March 08, 2026

From: mv

When the "Derby della Madonnina" rolls around, Milan is in a state of frenzy. This time, the duel was particularly intense due to the league standings: before the match, Inter led Serie A with 67 points, while Milan trailed ten points behind as their closest rivals (57). On Sunday, the Rossoneri managed to reduce the gap to the league leaders to seven points thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory. Numerous celebrities were in attendance for the city derby.

Without any lengthy feeling-out period, the game got off to a lively start: After a misplaced pass by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, Luka Modric tried his luck with his weaker foot but missed the target (3'). Milan then ceded possession to their opponents – but the Neroazzurri didn't pose any real threat (initially). In the 34th minute, Henrikh Mkhitaryan suddenly found himself one-on-one with Mike Maignan, but his shot was awful and went straight at the Milan goalkeeper – a mistake that proved costly.

Milan is gaining confidence

Almost immediately, Milan took the lead: Youssouf Fofana sent Pervis Estupinán through, who finished with a powerful shot into the near top corner to make it 1-0 (35'). The Rossoneri gained confidence and threatened Sommer several more times before halftime. Their only real chance came when Christian Pulisic beat Yann Bisseck and played a low cross into the middle, but Alexis Saelemaekers' shot was too inaccurate (39').

Luka Modric is the linchpin of Milan's game. © ANSA / MATTEO BAZZI

After the break, Inter finally took control – Massimiliano Allegri's team focused on defending and tried to launch counter-attacks. The first shot of the second half came from Piotr Zielinski, whose effort from a very tight angle was saved by Maignan for a corner (47'). At the other end, an attempt by Rafael Leao was too inaccurate (49') and a shot by Fofana was easily saved by Sommer (51').

Ball in goal – but it doesn't count

Inter then had a good opportunity after Nicolo Barella won the ball, but Federico Dimarco blasted the ball over the bar (54'). Following a cross from substitute Denzel Dumfries, Ange-Yoan Bonny's header lacked power (63').

Federico Dimarco (front) can't believe it. © ANSA / MATTEO BAZZI

The next half hour was played almost entirely in Milan's half. Inter circulated the ball well but couldn't find a way through. Things got hectic in stoppage time when a Dimarco corner found the back of the net – but the referee had already blown his whistle to stop play before the ball crossed the line. Milan's derby victory seemed all but secured. The disallowed goal sparked heated debate on the pitch after the final whistle.

Serie A, Matchday 28: Sunday's matches

Lecce – Cremonese 2:1
Goals: 1:0 Pierotti (22nd), 2:0 Stulic (38th/penalty), 2:1 Bonazzoli (47th)

Fiorentina – Parma 0-0

Bologna – Hellas Verona 1:2
Goals: 1:0 Rowe (49th), 1:1 Frese (53rd), 1:2 Bowie (57th)

Genoa – Roma 2-1
Goals: 1:0 Junior Messias (52nd/penalty), 1:1 N'Dicka (55th), 2:1 Vitinha (80th)

Milan – Inter 1-0
Goal: 1-0 Estupinán (35th minute)

Table