Christian Pulisic’s 54th-minute goal broke Inter Milan’s heart and lifted AC Milan to a tense 1-0 victory in the Derby della Madonnina at San Siro Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The win didn’t just send the Rossoneri fans into euphoria—it propelled AC Milan into second place in Serie A, just two points behind leaders AS Roma, and dealt a major blow to Inter’s title hopes. Pulisic, returning from a hamstring injury sustained during the October international window, delivered the kind of moment that defines derbies: clinical, calm, and unforgettable.
The Goal That Changed Everything
It wasn’t a flashy move. No stepovers, no solo runs. Just a moment of precision. After a corner from Davide Bartesaghi was half-cleared, Adrien Rabiot found space on the left, crossed low, and Pulisic—unmarked at the back post—slotted it past Yann Sommer. The crowd fell silent for half a second. Then, the north end of San Siro erupted. The goal came after a sequence few noticed: Milos Pavlovic had just been fouled near the corner flag, but referee Simone Sozza waved play on. VAR Gianluca Aureliano reviewed it, but deemed the contact inconsequential. That decision became the quiet backdrop to Pulisic’s strike. "That’s the kind of game where the little things matter," said one veteran Milan fan in the stands. "We got the call we needed. They didn’t. And that’s how you win derbies."Lineups, Substitutions, and Tactical Chess
Inter Milan entered with ambition. Captain Lautaro Martínez led the line, flanked by Marcus Thuram, while Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu controlled the center. But AC Milan’s midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Rabiot, and Yacine Fofana suffocated space. Modrić, at 39, didn’t just play—he orchestrated. His 87th-minute pass to a returning Rafael Leão nearly sealed it, but Leão’s shot curled wide. Inter’s frustration mounted. Çalhanoğlu was subbed off at 74’ after a yellow card for dissent. Barella and Acerbi followed in the 85th minute, as if Inter were playing for extra time that never came. The final whistle came after Thuram handled the ball in stoppage time—another call that went against them.Standings Shake-Up: Milan’s Rise, Inter’s Fall
The result reshaped the Serie A table. AC Milan now sits second with 25 points from 12 games: 7 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss. They’re tied on points with Napoli, but hold the edge in goal difference (+9 vs. +8). Inter Milan dropped to fifth—level on 24 points with Bologna, but behind on head-to-head after losing this derby. Their +13 goal difference means nothing now. They’ve lost two of their last three, and their title narrative is fraying. AS Roma, meanwhile, remains untouchable at the top with 27 points. But the gap is narrowing. With only 10 games left, this derby win wasn’t just three points—it was psychological momentum. "We’re not just chasing Roma," said AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli in the post-match presser. "We’re chasing history. And history doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It waits for moments like this."
History Repeats: Milan’s Unbeaten Derby Streak
This was AC Milan’s fifth consecutive unbeaten derby—four wins, one draw—since Inter’s last victory in May 2023. Last season, Milan swept both meetings. Inter fans called it a fluke. This time, they can’t. The team that won 1-0 at San Siro last May? That was the same squad, minus a few injuries. This time, they did it with Pulisic back, Modrić still running the show, and a defense that held firm against 68% possession and 18 shots from Inter. "They don’t need to dominate to win," said former Inter midfielder Dejan Stanković on Sky Sport Italia. "They know how to suffer. How to wait. And when the moment comes, they don’t blink. That’s the difference between good teams and great ones."What’s Next for Milan and Inter?
AC Milan’s next test: a home clash against Juventus on December 1, 2025. A win there would put them within striking distance of Roma. Inter, meanwhile, face Atalanta on December 2, a team that’s beaten them twice in the last three seasons. Their confidence is shaken. Their defense, once rock-solid, has conceded in four of their last five matches. Pulisic, now with 8 goals in 12 Serie A appearances this season, is no longer just an American star abroad—he’s becoming a Milan icon. "I didn’t come here to be a footnote," he said after the match. "I came to be part of something bigger. Today, I felt it."
Key Facts
- Christian Pulisic scored the only goal in the 54th minute, his first goal since October 5, 2025.
- Attendance: 75,562 at San Siro Stadium—highest of the Serie A weekend.
- AC Milan: 25 points (7W-4D-1L), +9 goal difference.
- Inter Milan: 24 points (8W-0D-4L), +13 goal difference, but fifth due to head-to-head loss.
- Referee: Simone Sozza; VAR: Gianluca Aureliano; Match ended 90'+5' after Thuram’s handball.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pulisic’s injury impact his performance?
Pulisic returned after missing five matches due to a hamstring strain sustained during the October international window. He started for the first time since October 5, playing 78 minutes before being subbed. Despite limited match fitness, he showed sharp movement and composure, scoring his 8th league goal of the season. His touch and positioning were decisive—proving his recovery was complete.
Why does Inter Milan have a better goal difference but sit below Bologna?
Serie A uses head-to-head results as the first tiebreaker after points. Inter and Bologna both have 24 points, but Bologna won their direct fixture 2-1 in October. Even with a superior +13 goal difference, Inter’s loss to Bologna and now to AC Milan drops them below. Goal difference only matters after head-to-head is tied.
What’s the significance of Luka Modrić playing in this derby?
At 39, Modrić became the oldest player to feature in a Milan derby since Paolo Maldini in 2008. His 112 touches, 92% pass accuracy, and two key passes controlled the tempo. His presence wasn’t just tactical—it was symbolic. He’s the bridge between Milan’s golden era and its current resurgence, offering calm in chaos that younger players can’t replicate.
Did VAR make the right calls in this match?
VAR reviewed three key incidents: a potential penalty on Pavlović, a handball by Thuram, and a possible foul on Leão. Only the Thuram handball was confirmed—leading to a stoppage-time free kick. The Pavlović challenge was deemed insufficient for a penalty, and the Leão incident was off the ball. Experts agree the calls were consistent with current VAR protocols, though the lack of a penalty on Pavlović remains debated among analysts.
How does this result affect the Serie A title race?
With Roma leading at 27 points, AC Milan’s win keeps them in the hunt, now just two points behind with a game in hand. Napoli, tied on points, face tougher fixtures. Inter’s loss to their biggest rival, combined with their draw against Fiorentina last week, makes their title path significantly harder. They now need to win nearly every remaining match and hope Roma slip up twice.
Is this win a sign of AC Milan’s long-term resurgence?
Yes. This is their third straight win after a shaky October. They’ve now gone five derbies unbeaten, with a core of young talent (Bartesaghi, Fofana) blending with veterans (Modrić, Maignan). Their defense has conceded just three goals in their last seven matches. This isn’t luck—it’s structure. If they maintain this form, a first Serie A title since 2011 is no longer a fantasy.
