Christian Pulisic didn’t just score a goal—he reignited a club. On Sunday, November 24, 2024, the Christian Pulisic of the AC Milan struck a 54th-minute winner in the Derby della MadonninaSan Siro Stadium, silencing the Inter fans and lifting his team out of a months-long slump. The 1-0 victory, sealed by a rebound finish off a saved shot from Alexis Saelemaekers, wasn’t just another three points—it was a lifeline. And with Mike Maignan making six saves, including a diving stop on a Hakan Çalhanoğlu penalty, AC Milan held firm against a dominant Inter side that outshot them 10-4. The result? Milan leapfrogged Inter into second place in Serie A, now with 28 points from 12 matches, just two behind leaders AS Roma.
A Streak Broken, A City Reawakened
For six straight derbies, AC Milan had lost to Inter. Six. No wins. No draws. Just heartbreak. The last time Milan won this fixture was in 2022—before the current generation of fans had even fully settled into their seats. This wasn’t just a rivalry; it was a psychological weight. And on a damp, electric night in Milan, that weight lifted. Pulisic, back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three matches, didn’t just play—he delivered. His goal, his third in eight career derbies, was clinical: a tap-in from six yards after Sommer parried Saelemaekers’ curler. No celebration. No theatrics. Just a clenched fist and a nod to the fans. That’s the kind of moment that changes a season.Goalkeeper as Hero, Not Just a Wall
Let’s talk about Maignan. The French international didn’t just make saves—he made statements. When Strahinja Pavlović fouled Marcus Thuram in the box, the penalty call felt inevitable. The crowd held its breath. Çalhanoğlu, Inter’s captain and chief playmaker, stepped up. He’s cool under pressure. He’s scored from the spot before. But Maignan? He guessed right. Full stretch, left hand out, fingertips brushing the ball. It was the kind of save that turns momentum into memory. And it wasn’t his only one. He denied Lautaro Martínez twice from point-blank range, and somehow kept out a thunderous Acerbi header that rattled the post in the 37th minute. Six saves. Zero goals. That’s not luck. That’s leadership.Inter’s Possession, Milan’s Purpose
Inter had 58% possession. They hit the woodwork twice. They had 10 shots to Milan’s four. Statistically, they should’ve won. But football isn’t a spreadsheet. It’s about timing. It’s about hunger. And AC Milan, under Massimiliano Allegri, looked like a team that remembered why they play. The midfield trio of Fofana, Gabbia, and Tomori absorbed pressure like a sponge. Leão, though quiet, stretched Inter’s defense. And Pulisic? He was everywhere—two dribbles, three key passes, constant movement. He didn’t need to dominate. He needed to be decisive. And he was.Inter’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, looked frustrated. His team created chances, but lacked the final touch. Lautaro Martínez, substituted in the 65th minute for Ange-Yoan Bonny, looked out of sync. The passing was precise, but the urgency was missing. When you control the ball but can’t break a stubborn defense, frustration sets in. And that’s when the counterpunch lands.
Why This Win Matters Beyond the Table
Before this match, Milan had won just once in their last five games. Rumors swirled about Allegri’s future. The fans were restless. The media was hungry for drama. But this? This was the reset button. It wasn’t just about moving up to second place. It was about belief. For the first time since September, Milan kept a clean sheet in Serie A. They’re now unbeaten in seven home matches. And for a club celebrating its 125th anniversary this season—founded by English expat Herbert Kilpin in 1899—this win felt like destiny.The historical context is staggering. In 230 official derbies, Inter leads 82-79. It’s been a razor-thin margin. But the last six losses? They weren’t just defeats. They were symbolic. Now, Milan has broken the cycle. And they’ve done it with a 19-year-old left-back, Davide Bartesaghi, playing like a veteran, and a 25-year-old American captain who’s quietly becoming the heartbeat of this team.
What’s Next?
The schedule doesn’t ease up. On Friday, November 29, 2024, at 8:45 PM CET, Milan host SS Lazio at San Siro. Then, just five days later, they face Lazio again in the Coppa Italia. Both are must-wins. A slip now, and the gap to Roma could widen. But if this win proves anything, it’s that Milan isn’t done yet. They’ve got grit. They’ve got balance. And they’ve got Pulisic.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this win for AC Milan’s title chances?
This win puts AC Milan just two points behind AS Roma with 12 games played, and crucially, it ends a six-match derby losing streak that had sapped morale. With only 10 matches left and a favorable run-in—including two home games against Lazio—this result could be the turning point. Milan’s goal difference is now +14, the same as Roma’s, meaning a win in their next match could tie them on points and goal difference. Momentum matters in the final stretch, and this win has restored it.
Why was Pulisic’s goal so important beyond the scoreline?
Pulisic had scored just one goal in his previous 11 Serie A appearances this season, and his recent hamstring injury had raised questions about his fitness. His sixth goal of the season—his third against Inter—wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement of resilience. He completed two successful dribbles and made three key passes, proving he’s still the spark AC Milan needs in transition. More than that, he’s the only American captain in Serie A history to score in a derby—a milestone that elevates his status in the club’s legacy.
How did AC Milan’s defense manage to hold up against Inter’s pressure?
Allegri’s 4-2-3-1 formation, with Fofana and Gabbia shielding the backline, allowed Milan to sit deep and absorb pressure. Tomori and Pavlović, both physical and disciplined, cut off passing lanes to Lautaro Martínez. But the real key was Maignan’s command of the box and the team’s compactness. Inter’s 10 shots included only two on target. Milan didn’t need to dominate—they needed to survive. And they did, with zero goals conceded for the first time since September 2024.
What does this result mean for Inter Milan’s season?
Inter now sits third with 26 points, two behind Milan and seven behind Roma. Their inability to convert dominance into goals—10 shots, zero goals—is a growing concern. With Lautaro Martínez struggling for rhythm and the midfield lacking a creative spark, Inzaghi’s side may need to rethink their approach. A draw or loss in their next match against Napoli could push them further behind in the title race, turning what looked like a two-horse race into a three-team scramble.
Is this win a sign of Allegri’s survival at AC Milan?
Absolutely. After just one win in five games, Allegri’s future was under serious scrutiny. But this win—against their fiercest rivals, with a clean sheet and a goal from their marquee player—changes the narrative entirely. The club’s board has publicly backed him, but fans needed proof. This performance, especially with young talents like Bartesaghi stepping up, shows Allegri is still capable of instilling discipline and winning mentality. His job is safe—for now.
What’s the historical importance of this derby win for AC Milan?
This was Milan’s first derby win since November 2022 and the first time they’ve beaten Inter at San Siro since 2021. Historically, Inter leads the head-to-head 82-79 in 230 meetings. But the last six losses had become a psychological barrier. Breaking that streak—especially during the club’s 125th anniversary year—adds emotional weight. For a generation of fans who’ve only known heartbreak in this fixture, this win isn’t just about points. It’s about pride.