The only goal of the game came in the first half and Pervis Estupinan was the one who got it. The Ecuadorian ran onto a through ball from Youssouf Fofana and sent a shot into the top corner to make the stadium explode.
At Inter, the distance between the strike pair - usually Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram - is consistently very compact. That proximity is crucial in a two-striker system because it allows synchronised movements: one drops, one runs in behind; one pins the defender, the other attacks space.
In the Derby della Madonnina, Pulisic has found the back of the net three times, and Milan have always prevailed when he has done so. A goal can thus be liberating in multiple ways, especially since the Rossoneri are under quite a lot of pressure in the standings.
There is a lot of discussion ongoing surrounding the penalty awarded by Simone Sozza after a VAR check following what was adjudged to be a foul by Strahinja Pavlovic on Marcus Thuram. It has divided experts, with some calling it an 'abomination' and others stating it was a 'reckless' challenge. A couple of other moments have gone under the microscope, though. Firstly, Lautaro Martinez swung an elbow at Matteo Gabbia while going up for a header in the first half. It left the defender with a bloodied nose, and the force behind it suggested there was a more cynical intention.
Sunday will be a special derby for Rafael Leao. Not only will he look to be decisive for AC Milan again, but his twins will be present at San Siro to watch him. As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Leao is the 'dad of the derby' because his twin sons Leonardo and Thiago will be in the stands to watch him for the first time. Fresh from qualifying for the World Cup with Portugal, Leao will be in city today
