Milan Strike Derby Blow to Reignite Serie A Title Race

Pervis Estupiñán and Rafael Leão celebrates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter Milan at San Siro

In one of the most significant matches of the Serie A season,
AC Milan stunned Inter Milan 1–0 at the San Siro, delivering a result that could reshape the title race. The decisive moment came in the first half when Pervis Estupiñán fired home the winning goal, sending the Rossoneri supporters into celebration and reducing Inter’s lead at the top of the table to seven points.

The victory represents more than just three points. Milan have now completed a seasonal league double over their city rivals, something they had not achieved since the 2010/11 campaign when they last lifted the Scudetto. With ten matches remaining, the Italian title race has suddenly taken on a new level of tension.

For Inter, the defeat is a rare setback in what has otherwise been a dominant season. Despite remaining league leaders with 67 points,
the loss puts renewed psychological pressure on the Nerazzurri as the season enters its decisive final stretch.


The Key Moment: Milan 1–0 Inter

The decisive moment arrived in the 38th minute, when Youssouf Fofana threaded a precise pass into the attacking channel, allowing Pervis Estupiñán to surge forward and calmly slot the ball past the Inter goalkeeper.

It was a historic strike. Estupiñán became the first Ecuadorian player to score in a Milan derby, instantly writing his name into the rivalry’s long history.

After taking the lead, Milan demonstrated the defensive resilience that has defined their season. Inter pushed forward relentlessly, but Milan’s disciplined back line held firm to secure a statement victory that could prove pivotal in the title race.


⚽ Matchday 28 Results

Serie A’s Matchday 28 delivered drama across the league:

  • Juventus 4–0 Pisa
  • Cagliari 1–2 Como
  • Atalanta 2–2 Udinese
  • Lecce 2–1 Cremonese
  • Fiorentina 0–0 Parma
  • Bologna 1–2 Hellas Verona
  • Genoa 2–1 AS Roma
  • AC Milan 1–0 Inter Milan

The standout result beyond the derby came in Turin, where Juventus delivered a dominant 4–0 victory over Pisa, with Kenan Yıldız playing a key role in a commanding attacking display.

Meanwhile, Como continued their remarkable season, defeating
Cagliari 2–1 to maintain their surprising position in the Champions League places.


📊 Serie A Table: Top and Bottom

Top of the Table

PositionTeamPointsKey Note
1Inter67Lead reduced after derby defeat
2Milan60Title hopes revived
3Napoli56Maintaining pressure in top three
4Como51Surprise Champions League contender
5Roma51Dropped crucial points in Genoa

Despite the loss, Inter remain in control of the title race, but Milan’s derby victory has ensured the race remains alive heading into the final ten matches.


Relegation Zone

PositionTeamPointsKey Note
18Cremonese24Struggling to escape danger
19Hellas Verona18Vital win keeps survival hopes alive
20Pisa15Still without a win in 17 matches

At the bottom of the table, Pisa’s struggles continue, with the club rooted to the foot of the standings after another heavy defeat.


🥇 Serie A Leaders: Goals and Assists

⚽ Top Scorers

  1. Lautaro Martínez (Inter)14 goals
  2. Kenan Yıldız (Juventus) – 9
  3. Rafael Leão (Milan) – 9
  4. Nico Paz (Como) – 9
  5. Rasmus Højlund (Napoli) – 9

Despite Inter’s derby loss, Lautaro Martínez continues to lead the Capocannoniere race, though a tightly packed chasing group ensures the Golden Boot battle remains wide open.


🎯 Top Assists

  1. Federico Dimarco (Inter)13 assists
  2. Jesús Rodríguez (Como) – 7
  3. Weston McKennie (Juventus) – 6
  4. Armand Laurienté (Sassuolo) – 6
  5. Nico Paz (Como) – 6

Inter’s Federico Dimarco remains the league’s most creative player, leading Serie A’s assist standings thanks to his exceptional delivery from wide areas.


📈 Stats of the Week

Derby Dominance: AC Milan completed a Serie A double over Inter for the first time since the 2010/11 season.

Best Defense: Milan have conceded just 20 goals in 28 matches, the strongest defensive record in the league.

Winless Run: Pisa are now 17 matches without a victory, leaving their survival hopes increasingly slim.


🌟 Players of the Week

Pervis Estupiñán (AC Milan)
The Ecuadorian defender scored the decisive derby winner, delivering one of the biggest moments of Milan’s season.

Kenan Yıldız (Juventus)
The young star orchestrated Juventus’ 4–0 victory over Pisa, continuing an impressive campaign.

Youssouf Fofana (AC Milan)
Provided the crucial assist for Estupiñán’s goal and controlled the midfield battle throughout the derby.


Talking Points

Is the Title Race Back On ?

While Inter still hold a seven-point advantage, Milan’s derby victory has injected real suspense into the Scudetto battle.

Como’s Fairytale Season

Few predicted Como would sit inside the top four this late in the campaign, but their consistency continues to impress.

Relegation Fight Intensifies

At the bottom, Cremonese, Verona, and Pisa remain locked in a survival struggle, with every point becoming increasingly valuable.


Looking Ahead: Matchday 29

Matchday 29 could prove decisive for the title race.
Inter must respond quickly after their derby disappointment,
while AC Milan will aim to continue their surge and close the gap further.

Meanwhile, the fight for European qualification remains fierce. Como, Roma, and Juventus are separated by just a single point in the race for Champions League football, setting the stage for a dramatic run in to the Serie A season.