Pulisic's Decisive Strike Secures Milan Derby Victory as Calhanoglu's Penalty Miss Proves Costly for Inter

Milan, Italy – In a pulsating Derby della Madonnina encounter, AC Milan emerged victorious against their arch-rivals Inter Milan, courtesy of a solitary goal from American winger Christian Pulisic. The match, played at a packed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Monday, November 24, 2025, was a tense affair punctuated by near misses, tactical battles, and ultimately, Hakan Calhanoglu’s crucial penalty miss that sealed Inter’s fate.

The derby, always a highlight in the Serie A calendar, carried extra significance this season with both Milan clubs vying for the top spot. Inter, under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, entered the match with a slight edge, sitting just ahead of Milan in the league standings. Stefano Pioli’s Milan, however, were determined to close the gap and assert their dominance in the city.

The early stages of the match saw Inter asserting their control, dictating the tempo and creating several threatening opportunities. Federico Dimarco’s dangerous cross in the 4th minute found Marcus Thuram, whose powerful header was expertly saved by Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, showcasing the Frenchman’s agility and reflexes. Inter continued to press, and in the 27th minute, Calhanoglu’s pinpoint cross was met by Francesco Acerbi, whose header agonizingly struck the post, denying Inter the opening goal. The Nerazzurri’s relentless pressure continued, with Lautaro Martinez unleashing a fierce volley in the 37th minute that was once again thwarted by Maignan, the ball deflecting off the post for the second time in the first half.

Despite Inter’s dominance in possession and chances created, Milan remained resilient, absorbing the pressure and looking to exploit opportunities on the counter-attack. Rafael Leao, Milan’s talismanic forward, came close to breaking the deadlock just before halftime with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target, signaling Milan’s growing threat.

Related News :

The second half began with Inter once again on the front foot, with Thuram testing Maignan early on. However, against the run of play, Milan struck a decisive blow in the 54th minute. A swift counter-attack saw Pulisic receive the ball on the edge of the box, and the American international unleashed a precise shot that nestled into the bottom left corner of the net, leaving Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer with no chance. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Milan faithful and shifted the momentum of the match.

Inter were handed a golden opportunity to equalize in the 69th minute when Thuram was brought down in the box by Strahinja Pavlovic, resulting in a penalty. Calhanoglu, the former Milan midfielder, stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was expertly saved by Maignan, diving to his left to deny the Turkish international and preserve Milan’s lead. The save proved to be a pivotal moment in the match, deflating Inter’s spirits and further galvanizing Milan’s resolve.

In the closing stages of the match, Inter threw everything they had at Milan, desperately searching for an equalizer. Dimarco’s shot in the 75th minute was once again kept out by the inspired Maignan, who proved to be an impenetrable barrier in the Milan goal. Despite their relentless efforts, Inter were unable to breach Milan’s defense, and the Rossoneri held on to secure a hard-fought victory.

The win propelled Milan to second place in the Serie A standings with 25 points from 12 games, just two points behind AS Roma, who currently lead the league. Inter, meanwhile, slipped to fourth place with 24 points, highlighting the competitive nature of the Serie A title race this season.

Christian Pulisic’s match-winning goal marked another significant moment in his career since joining AC Milan. The American international has quickly become a key player for the Rossoneri, showcasing his versatility, technical ability, and eye for goal. His performance in the derby further cemented his status as a fan favorite and a crucial component of Milan’s attacking line.

Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty miss, on the other hand, added another chapter to the intense rivalry between him and his former club. The Turkish midfielder, who made the switch from Milan to Inter in 2021, has often faced criticism from Milan fans, and his failure to convert the penalty only intensified the animosity.

The match was not without its tactical nuances. Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, known for their attacking prowess and fluid movement, struggled to break down Milan’s well-organized defense. Stefano Pioli’s Milan, on the other hand, executed their counter-attacking strategy to perfection, capitalizing on Inter’s defensive vulnerabilities.

The victory was particularly sweet for Milan, who had endured a difficult period in recent years, struggling to compete with the top teams in Serie A. Under Stefano Pioli’s guidance, however, the Rossoneri have undergone a remarkable transformation, rediscovering their identity and challenging for major honors.

Looking ahead, both Milan clubs have crucial fixtures on the horizon. Inter will face a tough test against a resurgent Napoli side, while Milan will travel to face Atalanta, another team vying for a Champions League spot. These upcoming matches will provide further insight into the title aspirations of both Milan clubs and their ability to maintain their consistency throughout the season.

Match Details:

Teams: Inter Milan vs. AC Milan
Date: Monday, November 24, 2025
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Score: Inter Milan 0 – 1 AC Milan

Lineups:

Inter Milan: Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Carlos Augusto, Barella, Calhanoglu (Zieliski 78′), Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez (Bonny 66′)
AC Milan: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana (Ricci 78′), Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic (Nkunku 78′), Leao

Key Stats:

Possession: Inter Milan 58% – 42% AC Milan
Shots: Inter Milan 18 – 10 AC Milan
Shots on Target: Inter Milan 6 – 3 AC Milan
Corners: Inter Milan 8 – 3 AC Milan
Fouls: Inter Milan 12 – 15 AC Milan

The Derby della Madonnina once again lived up to its billing, providing a captivating spectacle for football fans around the world. Christian Pulisic’s decisive strike and Mike Maignan’s heroics ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides, securing a memorable victory for AC Milan and further intensifying the Serie A title race.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.