AC Milan outlast Inter in latest derby

The latest iteration of the Milan Derby failed to disappoint.  AC Milan won a five-goal thriller against bitter rivals Inter Milan on Saturday.  Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud ran the show for the Red and Blacks.  The Portugal international winger netted two goals and also set up teammate Giroud for his team’s other score.

Inter started the match fairly well, as they nearly scored inside the first 15 minutes and then finally put themselves ahead six minutes later.  Marcelo Brozovic claimed the first goal of the match after converting a one-on-one chance against AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. 

Nevertheless, it was AC Milan that held the upper hand for most of the opening 45 minutes.  The Red and Blacks had more possession and eight more shots than their rivals in the first half.  Leao scored his first goal of the game just seven minutes after Inter went ahead.

With the score 1-1 at the break, Milan scored the next two goals inside the first 15 minutes of the second half.  The aforementioned Giroud placed a delicate shot into the bottom of the net and Leao finished off his brace with a slick move to get past the Inter defense.

Substitute Edin Dzeko pulled one back for the visitors, but it would not be enough to get anything out of the game for Inter.  Milan’s Maignan helped preserve his team’s lead with multiple impressive saves late in the match.

USMNT defender Sergino Dest did not take part of the match on Saturday.  The American was, however, available on the bench for selection.  USMNT fans will hope that Dest receives plenty of game action ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The victory for Milan took them top of the Serie A table for the moment.  Inter, on the other hand, suffered their second league defeat in their last three matches.  The Black and Blues will hope to shake off the dust when they host Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Photo credit: Jonathan Moscrop / Sportimage