Late Gabbia’s Header Seals Dramatic Derby Win For AC Milan.
Matteo Gabbia scored a late winner to give AC Milan a 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Inter in a thrilling Milan derby, easing the pressure on under-fire manager Paulo Fonseca. Gabbia’s 89th-minute header broke a run of six consecutive derby defeats for Milan and handed Inter their first home league loss in a year.
AC Milan took an early lead through Christian Pulisic, but Inter levelled before the half-hour mark thanks to Federico Dimarco. The Inter wing-back became the first Milan-born player to score in the Derby della Madonnina since Paolo Maldini’s famous goal for Milan back in November 1994.
The Rossoneri were awarded a penalty midway through the second half for a handball by Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee, as replays showed the ball struck his shoulder.
As both sides searched for a late winner, Milan appeared to have missed their best chance when Tammy Abraham fired wide after a brilliant through ball from Tijjani Reijnders. However, Gabbia rose highest in the final moments to meet Reijnders’ free-kick, heading home the decisive goal and securing the three points for the visitors.
The victory sees Milan climb to seventh in the Serie A table, level with Inter on eight points after five matches, with only goal difference keeping Inter ahead.
Fonseca Relieved After Important Win
AC Milan came into the derby with Fonseca under significant pressure following an indifferent start to the season. Although a victory over Venezia had temporarily eased concerns, a heavy Champions League defeat to Liverpool had reignited questions over the manager’s future.
Despite the pressure, Fonseca’s side started the game brightly, taking the lead through Pulisic’s clever finish after he dispossessed Henrikh Mkhitaryan and sliced through the Inter defence to score. Inter responded, and Dimarco’s crisp low strike brought them level after a smart link-up with Martinez.
Milan continued to create chances, with Rafael Leao testing Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer on several occasions. Meanwhile, Inter’s Martinez saw his volley saved by Milan’s Mike Maignan in a back-and-forth contest.
Tammy Abraham had a golden opportunity to seal the win late on but missed the target. However, it was Gabbia’s towering header that ultimately settled the match, securing Milan’s first derby win in two years and relieving the mounting pressure on Fonseca.
AC Milan’s victory puts them back in contention for a strong league campaign as they move to seventh, with Inter just ahead on goal difference. The result will be a huge boost for Fonseca and his team, who will look to build on this success as the season progresses.
