It was a very difficult derby for the Rossoneri as they faced their rivals Nerazzurri. As usual the 'Derby Della Madonnina' was full of physicality and intense moments for both AC Milan and Inter. But, it will surely be a night to remember for the red and black faithful as Olivier Giroud brought a much needed win to his teammates.
The game did not start really well as Il Diavolo squad failed to find spaces in the attacking phase. The other side, however, looked tactically disciplined in the first half and defensively, they seemed more solid than Milan. In the attack, they worked very well and had important scoring chances. However, and luckily for Milan, Mike Maignan was there to make beautiful saves. But, that did not stop Inter from finding the opener as Hakan Calhanoglu delivered an assist from a corner against his former teammates which Ivan Perisic capitalised on as he was poorly marked in the area.
The first half was chaotic for Stefano Pioli's side. They lacked focus and concentration. It ended 1-0 for the hosts (Denzel Dumfries scored from a header but it was disallowed as Perisic who crossed the ball was in an offside position).
The second half-time, was also difficult in the start as well. But, there were some movements after the entry of the Spanish playmaker Brahim Diaz instead of Franck Kessié who had a lacklustre performance in the attacking midfielder role.
Fast forward until the 75th minute, Milan were able to capitalise after the ball was recovered in the Inter's half of the field. Brahim Diaz leads the attack and shoots which deflected. Olivier Giroud fires the rebound in the right time and place and grabs an important equaliser.
Just three minutes later, the same French centre-forward receives an important pass inside the box, he turns quickly despite the marking of De Vrij and shoots it in the bottom left corner. Goalkeeper Handanovic tried his best and touched the ball, but still could not clear it.
The rest of the game was difficult as the AC Milan team were not giving up any inches. Sandro Tonali and his teammates held their ground and defended well. But, it got even more difficult as Theo Hernandez tried to stop Denzel Dumfries on a counter-attack and tackled him from behind, thus stopping a dangerous action. He received a red card around the 95th minute. Milan were left in 10. But, a cross executed by the Inter side from the foul did not bring them the equaliser and the referee blew the whistle afterwards. AC Milan finally came out victorious as they keep their hopes and chances of catching up to their rivals in the league table.
