THE ROSSONERE BEATEN IN THE DERBY

Disappointing. In their fourth derby of the season, the Rossonere fell to their first defeat against their cross-city rivals in their final match at the PUMA House of Football in 2024/25. It finished 4-1 to Inter, a scoreline that feels harsh given it was a match that hung in the balance until the 85th minute, when the Nerazzurre - second in the table - made the most of the space that was afforded to them. The Rossonere fell behind early on but drew level through Dompig’s penalty. Around the hour mark, Polli’s goal shifted the momentum. Coach Bakker’s side showed commitment and determination throughout - always looking to chase, press and attack - even if they created fewer chances than their opponents. It was only in the closing stages that the match got away from them.

One big positive to highlight is the long-awaited return of captain Christy Grimshaw, who played 391 days after her last appearance and, in doing so, took to the pitch for the 100th time for AC Milan. Following matchday 8 in the Championship Round of the Women's Serie A division, the Rossonere remain in fifth place on 34 points and, given Fiorentina’s win, can no longer improve their position. The team’s final match will be in Rome at 12:30 CEST on Sunday 4 May, and it represents an opportunity to end the 2024/25 campaign - during which there have been clear signs of growth - on a high.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v INTER

MATCH REPORT
After a cautious start to the match, Inter sparked into life. In the seventh minute, Csiszár was thwarted by Fedele. A minute later, the AC Milan goalkeeper also produced a fantastic stop to keep out Polli’s header, but Milinković converted on the follow-up to give the Nerazzurre the lead. The Rossonere looked to respond, with Mascarello and Ijeh looking particularly lively. In the 27th minute, a shot from Dompig struck the arm of Merlo and a penalty was awarded. Dompig then stepped up and sent Rúnarsdóttir the wrong way to equalise. Santi then came close with a long-range effort for Inter (35’), after which Polli fired over with an acrobatic effort (36’). Vigilucci and Polli had further - unsuccessful - attempts at goal, a right-footed strike from Wullaert was saved by Fedele (45’) and, in stoppage time, a shot from Dompig lacked power.

The match resumed and Ijeh quickly had a chance from a corner (48’). The Rossonere were pushing forward, with Renzotti shooting over the bar (53’). But then, with 59 minutes on the clock, Inter struck: Polli got the better of both Sorelli and Koivisto and beat Fedele with her left foot. In the 70th minute, Renzotti picked out Cesarini, whose attempted lob was saved by Rúnarsdóttir. Wullaert then tested Fedele (76’) before an effort from Mascarello came to nothing at the other end (84’). In the 85th minute, Wullaert converted a Detruyer cross to make it 3-1. Pedersen came close (90’) for Inter, who added a fourth through Wullaert a minute later. Fedele denied Detruyer with seconds remaining, and then the full-time whistle was blown.

MATCH DETAILS

AC MILAN 1-4 INTER

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Fedele; Koivisto, Sorelli (80' Laurent), Piga, Vigilucci; R. Ávila (86' Grimshaw), Mascarello, Arrigoni (63' Cesarini); Renzotti (86' Stokić), Ijeh, Dompig (80' Karczewska). Subs: Belloli, Tornaghi; Mesjasz; Appiah, Marinelli. Coach: Bakker.

INTER (3-5-2): Rúnarsdóttir; Merlo, Milinković, A. Sanz; Schough, Tomaselli (54' Bugeja), Csiszár (80' Pavan), Santi (71' Pedersen), Bartoli (80' Robustellini); Wullaert, Polli (71' Detruyer). Subs: Baldi, Piazza; Fördős, Mansaray; Karchouni; Serturini. Coach: Piovani.

Referee: Mirabella from Naples.
Goals: 8' Milinković (I), 27' pen. Dompig (M), 59' Polli (I), 85' and 90'+1 Wullaert (I).
Booked: 39' Arrigoni (M), 45' Santi (I).

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