Milan is still red and black: last night they won the return derby as well, with the same score as the first match, 1–0. In November, Christian Pulisic had decided the game, while this time the winning goal came from Pervis Estupiñán off an assist from Youssouf Fofana. With this victory, the Rossoneri close the gap on Inter Milan, which now sits seven points ahead. Is the title race back open? Difficult, but dreaming costs nothing.
Champions League is the objective for AC Milan:
As reported this morning by Corriere della Sera, the margin remains comfortable, as Massimiliano Allegri also explained. In the post-match interview he once again spoke only about the Champions League: "Inter have a seven-point lead and that is a lot. They are a strong team. We must be satisfied because we are ten points ahead of Juventus FC and nine ahead of Como 1907. We have reached March in the best possible condition for the matches that matter."
In front of Gerry Cardinale as well, who went to the locker room after the match to congratulate the ex Juventus coach and the team, Milan took an important step toward a return to the UEFA Champions League. "We have not achieved the objective yet," Allegri warned, since he does not want his players to lose focus even after a derby victory, as relayed via Milan News today.
Estupiñán the match winner
The game was decided by one of the least expected players, Pervis Estupiñán, who until now had been something of a mystery signing after his summer move from Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.. He had begun the season as the starting left-back, yet later lost his place to Davide Bartesaghi. His goal was no accident. All week Allegri had instructed him to take on Luis Henrique in order to put him under pressure.
"It’s the most important goal of my life," he said after the match.
