PRIMAVERA DIG DEEP TO EARN DRAW IN THE DERBY

A very precious point. The Primavera derby between Inter and AC Milan ended 1-1, with a super goal from Cuenca in the first half followed by Di Maggio's equalizer in the second half. The result, however, is very important because Abate's team achieved it by playing the entire second half with ten men, after a second yellow card for Bakoune immediately at the start of the second half. The Rossoneri passed the test, therefore, in the top of the table clash which leaves the distance in the standings unchanged, also in light of Lazio's draw and Sassuolo's defeat.

The choices were limited, with call-ups to the First Team for Jiménez, Nsiala and Simić, which led to the unprecedented pairing of Parmiggiani and Malaspina as centre-backs. However, the young Rossoneri staged what can be defined as a real test of maturity, especially in terms of reading the various moments of the match, against a team that leads the table undefeated. Credit must go to everyone, with a peach of a goal by Cuenca, his second goal in a derby following the one scored last May. AC Milan will close an excellent 2023 by hosting Hellas Verona on Friday 22nd at 16:30 CET in the last match of the calendar year.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM INTER v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT
The game started with a very high intensity from the off, with both sides looking to be proactive and have the right tone. Opportunities were lacking, but the Rossoneri broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a superb, left-footed finish from 25 metres by Hugo Cuenca. Galvanized by the goal, Abate's team persisted and almost doubled their lead in the 22nd minute, but Calligaris got down low to deny Camarda. A minute later, Raveyre did well to keep out Kamate's attempt with his feet. Another Rossoneri burst forward in the 36th minute: Traorè's free-kick, and Cuenca's back-heel volley just brushed past the far post. The last two chances fell to the Nerazzurri, but Raveyre stopped Kamate's attempts.

A few seconds into the second half and the turning point came, with a second yellow card for Bakoune, leaving AC down to ten men. The hosts increased their intensity, withthe Rossoneri trying to contain and defend their lead. In the 53rd minute, Inter hit the post through Matjaž, and in the 63rd minute they equalized through Di Maggio, whose shot didn't see any touch or deflection on his cross-come shot. Galvanized by the goal, the Nerazzurri pushed on, but in the 68th minute Raveyre blocked Spinaccè, while attempts by Aidoo in the 71st minute and Stanković in the 79th minute missed the target. The closing stages saw the Rossoneri with two chances: in the 81st minute, a dangerous cross from Magni was cleared away in the six-yard box, and in the 90th minute Calligaris was forced to head away to get ahead of Sia. Before the final whistle, there were two more safe outings by Raveyre: it ended 1-1.

MATCH DETAILS

INTER 1-1 AC MILAN

INTER (4-3-3): Calligaris; Aidoo, Stante, Matjaž, Cocchi (80' Vedovati); Di Maggio, Stanković, Akinsanmiro (57' Spinaccè); Kamate (89' Bovo), Sarr, Quieto (80' Motta). Subs: Raimondi; Guercio, Maye, Nezirevic; Mazzola, Ricordi; Diallo. Coach: Chivu.

AC MILAN (4-2-1-3): Raveyre; Bakoune, Parmiggiani, Malaspina, Magni; Stalmach, Zeroli; Cuenca (86' Sala); Scotti, Camarda (61' Sia), Traorè (74' Bonomi). Subs: Bartoccioni, Torriani; Perera, Tezzele; Victor; Liberali, Martinazzi, Simmelhack. Coach: Abate.

Referee: Bordin from Bassano del Grappa.
Goals: 19' Cuenca (M), 63' Di Maggio (I)
Booked: 7' Bakoune (M), 34' Akinsanmiro (I), 45'+1 Stante (I), 64' Matjaž (I), 83' Chivu (I), 85' Magni (M).
Sent-off: 46' Bakoune (M) for second booking.

The AC Milan PUMA Kits for 2023/24 are available: buy them now!