The latest instalment of the Derby della Madonnina lived up to its reputation for excitement, as Inter Milan snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat against their city rivals AC Milan. In a match filled with disallowed goals, near misses, and late drama, Stefan de Vrij emerged as the hero for Inter with a stoppage-time equalizer.
The Rossoneri, who had dominated recent encounters between the two sides, looked set to continue their winning streak when Tijjani Reijnders broke the deadlock just before halftime. The Dutch midfielder capitalized on a swift counter-attack, firing home from close range after Yann Sommer had parried Rafael Leão’s initial effort.
Inter’s frustration was palpable throughout the match, having seen three goals disallowed for offside. Federico Dimarco, Nicolò Barella, and Lautaro Martinez all thought they had scored, only to have their celebrations cut short by the linesman’s flag.
The second half saw both teams create chances, with the woodwork denying Inter on multiple occasions. Marcus Thuram was particularly unlucky, seeing his cushioned volley bounce off the inside of the post. Denzel Dumfries also hit the upright with a powerful header as Inter pressed for an equalizer.
Just when it seemed Milan would hold on for another derby victory, Inter’s persistence paid off. In the dying moments of the game, new signing Nicola Zalewski, making his debut after a last-minute transfer from Roma, provided the crucial assist. The Polish winger chested down a cross from Yann Bisseck, allowing de Vrij to volley home from close range and send the Nerazzurri fans into raptures.
The draw maintains Inter’s position in the Serie A title race, while Milan will rue their inability to see out the victory.
Goals: Reijnders 45 (M), De Vrij 93 (I)
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Walker, Tomori, Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez; Musah (78′ Terracciano), Bennacer (46′ Bennacer); Pulisic (85′ Chukwueze), Reijnders, Leao (85′ Gabbia); Abraham (78′ Camarda).
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard (63′ Bisseck), De Vrij, Bastoni (63′ Carlos Augusto); Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu (63′ Zielinski), Mkhitaryan (76′ Frattesi), Dimarco (76′ Zalewski); Thuram, Lautaro.
