Inter Milan scored four second-half goals to secure a dramatic Derby della Madonnina comeback victory over fierce rivals AC Milan at San Siro on Sunday night.
AC Milan started brightly and almost went ahead when Hakan Calhanoglu’s long-range effort struck the post.
Stefan Pioli’s side continued to pile on the pressure and took the lead on 40 minutes as Ante Rebic converted Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s knockdown.
Ibrahimovic – playing against his former club – then made it 2-0 just before half time. The Swede headed home from a corner to give Milan a deserved lead at the break.
However, Inter pulled a goal back five minutes into the second half when Marcelo Brozovic scored a sensational volley form the edge of the penalty area.
Antonio Conte’s side then levelled moments later as Matias Vecino netted from Alexis Sanchez’s cutback.
Despite AC Milan dominating the first half, Inter continued to push and went ahead on 70 minutes thanks to Stefan de Vrij’s header.
Christian Eriksen struck the woodwork with a free-kick, before Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring with an injury-time header.
Inter Milan – AC Milan
Possession
44%-56%
Shots
16-17
Shots on Target
7-2
Corners
7-6
Fouls
6-13
AC Milan registered a total of 17 shots but only two found the target – scoring twice. On the other hand, Inter managed seven shots on target – converting four.
Inter’s below par first half saw AC Milan edge the possession. However, Pioli’s men collapsed in the second half, while Conte’s side asserted their dominace.
The Dutchman put in a heroic display, dealing with Ibrahimovic’s physicality expertly and proving why he’s one of the most underrated defenders in Europe right now.
Not only did he score the goal that completed Inter’s comeback, de Vrij also made a number of vital defensive interceptions.
• Inter are now back at the top of the Serie A table thanks to their superior goal difference – level with Juventus on 54 points.
• Despite losing just one of their previous 11 games, Milan are stuck in tenth following another unsuccessful derby match.
• Romelu Lukaku is now one of only six Inter players to have scored in their first two Milan derbies for the club.
• Inter are now unbeaten in 16 league games and face a huge clash against title challengers Lazio next.