Inter 1-2 AC Milan: Five things we learned – Fonseca ball finally in action
AC Milan triumphed over city rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina, leaving both teams in fifth and sixth place with equal points and matches played.
Milan coach Paulo Fonseca labeled the 2-1 victory as “a victory of unity.”
This win holds significance for several reasons. Milan had lost the last six derbies, and this success may secure Fonseca’s job, especially after a disappointing loss to Liverpool in the Champions League made this derby a must-win.
The match began positively for the Rossoneri, who played with intensity and took the lead in the 10th minute thanks to Christian Pulisic’s exceptional individual effort. After skillfully navigating past defenders, he scored.
However, Inter found some rhythm and equalized in the 27th minute, shifting the momentum in their favor. For the next half hour, the Nerazzurri appeared more lively. Yet, Milan intensified their efforts in the closing stages, creating several chances, all thwarted by an impressive Yann Sommer.
In the 89th minute, Matteo Gabbia’s powerful header secured the win for Milan, marking a potential turning point for the team in what has been their best performance of the season so far.
Here are five observations from the match:
1. Fonseca’s Tactical Revival
Fonseca had shown glimpses of his vision during pre-season, but his ideas had faded. The derby was the perfect occasion to revive them. He opted for a 4-2-4 formation, allowing Alvaro Morata to drop deeper as a second striker, linking up with the midfield. Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders controlled the center, with Reijnders shining creatively.
2. Man of the Match Performance
Gabbia, stepping in for Pavlovic, delivered a standout performance, earning our Man of the Match title. He excelled in both defensive duties and build-up play, even scoring a fantastic header. His solid showing should secure him more playing time moving forward.
3. Midfield Engine
While Pulisic and Gabbia scored, Reijnders was the midfield engine, dominating for most of the match. His dribbling and decision-making stood out, and he provided a crucial assist with a lovely cross for Gabbia’s goal.
4. Mixed Front Four Performance
Despite some bright spots, there were concerns. Leao struggled to get involved, showing a lack of urgency at times. Pulisic scored a solo goal and combined well with teammates but faded in the second half. Morata and Abraham pressed effectively, although Tammy missed a crucial one-on-one chance.
5. Room for Improvement
Emerson Royal and Fofana were not at their best, particularly during Inter’s goal. Royal’s decision to close Lautaro left Dimarco unmarked, while Fofana was slow to track back. Both players recovered later, contributing to the win, but there’s room for improvement as they settle into the squad.
