The Milan Derby delivers a thrilling 1-1 draw against Inter. Dive into the match details, key plays, and player insights from this unforgettable encounter.
Introduction:
Derby della Madonnina has once again served high drama, and the latest chapter was no different. Inter Milan dominated huge spells of the game while hitting the post three times and managed to get out of AC Milan’s mercy bag just in the final minutes of the match, thanks to Stefan de Vrij’s 93rd-minute equalizer with the help of new boy Nicola Zalewski, walking back with a 1-1 draw. See also: Lautaro Martínez Hat-Trick
Inter’s Unlucky Night Against the Woodwork
Inter entered the second half determined to overturn AC Milan’s lead, but they were denied time and again by a combination of bad luck and outstanding goalkeeping. The Nerazzurri struck the woodwork an astonishing three times—first through Yann Bisseck, then Marcus Thuram, and finally Denzel Dumfries. Each effort ricocheted off the left post of Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, leaving Inzaghi’s men frustrated.

The misfortune resumed an impressive trend in the Derby della Madonnina. In fact, of the last three matches where Inter have struck the woodwork at least thrice in one Serie A match, twice have been at San Siro, and the last time was on September 21, 2019, at their arch-rivals. See also: Fiorentina Crash AC Milan 2-1 in Florence: Serie A
De Vrij Ends Inter’s Jinx in Injury Time
Just when it seemed that AC Milan would hold on for a crucial victory, Inter struck at the death. In the 93rd minute, De Vrij capitalized on a pinpoint cross from Zalewski, firing home an unstoppable header past Maignan. His immediate sprint towards the Curva to celebrate with teammates captured the sheer intensity of the moment.

The Dutch defender has now scored 12 goals for Inter, reinforcing his reputation as a big-game performer. This was his third goal against AC Milan in Serie A, a tally surpassed only by his four goals against Sampdoria.

Zalewski’s Impactful Debut
Inter’s January signing, Nicola Zalewski, had a dream debut. Introduced in the 76th minute for Federico Dimarco, the young winger wasted no time making his mark. His precise cross set up De Vrij’s equalizer, but he also showcased his dynamism and technical ability with a number of dangerous runs and passes down the left flank. His delivery for Dumfries’ header, which also struck the bar, was another example of his immediate impact.

Reijnders Continues His Scoring Form
AC Milan had taken the lead just before halftime through Tijjani Reijnders, who found the net with a well-placed strike. His goal made him the fifth Dutch player to score at least ten Serie A goals for AC Milan, joining an illustrious list that includes Marco van Basten (90), Clarence Seedorf (47), Ruud Gullit (38), and Frank Rijkaard (16). Reijnders also became the first Dutchman since Nigel de Jong (May 4, 2014) to score in the Milan derby for the Rossoneri.

With seven league goals this season, Reijnders has now scored more than any other midfielder in Serie A, cementing his importance to Stefano Conceição’s side.
Derby Records and Historic Performances
The 1-1 draw was the first stalemate between the two clubs since March 1, 2022, when they played out a goalless draw in the Coppa Italia semi-finals. Interestingly, three of the ten goals scored in this season’s Milan derbies have come in the 89th minute or later, with De Vrij joining Tammy Abraham in delivering late drama.

This match also saw history made by AC Milan’s young sensation Francesco Camarda. The 16-year-and-329-day-old Camarda was the youngest player ever to play in a Serie A Milan derby during the three points for win era. On the other side of things, new AC Milan signing Kyle Walker first played in the derby, joining an exclusive club of players who have had their very first appearance in Serie A for the Rossoneri in this fixture. The last two to do so were Alessandro Melli (November 20, 1994) and Giuseppe Pancaro (October 5, 2003).
A Bitter-Sweet Result for Both Sides
While Inter will feel relieved to have salvaged a point, they may also rue their missed opportunities, especially given their dominance in the second half. AC Milan, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have let a crucial victory slip away so late in the game. However, they can take heart from their resilience and the strong performances from key players like Reijnders and Maignan.
As the Serie A title race intensifies, both Milanese giants will need to regroup quickly. With more twists and turns expected, this draw could prove pivotal in shaping the final standings of the season.