Christian Pulisic didn’t just score a goal—he ignited a city. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the American midfielder netted the only goal in a tense 1-0 Serie A 2025/26 derbySan Siro between AC Milan and Inter Milan, turning a cold November night in Milan into pure chaos. The strike came in the 56th minute, a moment of precision that silenced 75,000 Inter fans and sent the visiting Rossoneri supporters into delirium. But it wasn’t just Pulisic. Behind him, Mike Maignan, the French international, made save after save—five in the final 20 minutes alone—as Inter poured forward, desperate to salvage a point. The final whistle didn’t just end a match. It reshaped the Serie A title race.
The Derby That Broke the Pattern
Inter Milan entered this fixture with the best defensive record in Serie A: 8 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses. Their goal difference of +14 was the envy of the league. They’d won 11 of their last 12 home games. And yet, they were outplayed statistically. Possession? Inter had 58%. Shots? 17 to 9. Key passes? 32 to 18. But football doesn’t always reward volume—it rewards moments. And Pulisic, who’d been quiet for most of the evening, found space between Inter’s center-backs after a miscommunication on a long ball from Fikayo Tomori. He took one touch to control, another to shoot. The ball curled just inside the post. No celebration. Just a clenched fist and a nod to Maignan. That’s how these derbies are won: not with dominance, but with destiny.
Chivu’s Concern, Milan’s Confidence
Post-match, Inter head coach Cristian Chivu didn’t mince words. “This defeat could leave some marks,” he told reporters, his voice heavy. “We controlled the game. We created chances. But we didn’t finish. And that’s what separates the champions from the rest.” Chivu, a former Romanian international turned manager, has been praised for his tactical discipline this season—but Sunday exposed a deeper flaw: vulnerability in transition. Inter had Luka Modrić, 39, orchestrating play from midfield, and Hakan Çalhanoglu, 31, buzzing with energy. Yet neither could find the final pass when it mattered. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s manager, Paulo Fonseca, smiled through the post-match presser. “We knew they’d have the ball,” he said. “We knew they’d press. But we trusted our structure. And we trusted our men.”
The Standings Shift: A Three-Way Tie at the Top
Before kick-off, AC Milan sat in fourth, five points behind Inter. After the final whistle, they jumped to second—25 points from 12 games. Inter, now 8-0-4, slipped to third with 24 points. Napoli, who beat Genoa 3-1 earlier that day, stayed atop the table with 25 points and a +8 goal difference. Bologna, with 24 points and a +13 goal difference, hovered just below. The top four are now separated by just one point. And here’s the twist: Inter’s perfect home record? Gone. AC Milan’s unbeaten streak? Extended to 11 games. The league table is a mess. And it’s only November.
Hero in Goal: Maignan’s Night to Remember
Let’s talk about Maignan. The 29-year-old Frenchman didn’t just keep a clean sheet—he preserved a victory. In the 78th minute, he denied Lautaro Martínez with a reflex save, fingertips deflecting a close-range header onto the crossbar. Two minutes later, he raced off his line to smother a one-on-one chance from Denzel Dumfries. By the 89th minute, he had made 12 saves—the most by any goalkeeper in a Milan derby since 2019. “He’s not just a keeper,” said AC Milan captain Theo Hernández afterward. “He’s a wall with instincts.” Maignan’s performance wasn’t just about athleticism. It was about timing. About reading the game. About knowing when to stay small and when to explode. That’s why AC Milan paid €20 million for him in 2021. And that’s why he’s now the heartbeat of their title challenge.
What’s Next? The Road to January
Both clubs face critical fixtures on Saturday, November 30, 2025. Inter travels to Turin to face Torino Calcio at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Torino, currently 12th, are dangerous on the counter. AC Milan, meanwhile, hosts US Sassuolo Calcio at San Siro. Sassuolo, sitting 12th, have scored 16 goals this season—more than any team in the bottom half. A win for Milan could push them into first. A slip-up? The pressure on Chivu becomes unbearable. And don’t forget: the reverse derby, at San Siro, is still ahead—December 14, 2025. That one could decide the title.
The Dark Cloud: Racism in Florence
On the same matchday, a disturbing incident unfolded at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, where Fiorentina’s home supporters engaged in prolonged racist chanting during their 2-2 draw with Juventus. Play was halted for nearly 12 minutes. UEFA has opened an investigation. It’s a reminder that while football can unite a city, it can also expose its ugliest wounds. AC Milan and Inter, both clubs with deep immigrant roots and diverse squads, have been vocal about anti-racism initiatives. But Sunday’s derby—played in front of a crowd that booed the opposing team’s anthem—shows how far the game still has to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pulisic’s goal change AC Milan’s title chances?
Pulisic’s goal lifted AC Milan to 25 points, putting them just one behind Napoli and level on points with Bologna. With a +9 goal difference—the best among the top four—they now control their destiny. Winning their next two games could put them top before Christmas. More importantly, beating Inter twice in a season is psychologically massive; it signals they can win the big games.
Why did Inter Milan dominate possession but lose?
Inter had more ball, but their attack lacked penetration. Modrić, at 39, was brilliant in passing but didn’t drive forward. Çalhanoglu had space but couldn’t find the final ball to Lautaro or Dzeko. AC Milan sat deep, absorbed pressure, and hit on the counter. It’s a classic Milan tactic: defend smart, strike lethal. Inter’s midfield was elegant, but not clinical.
What does Maignan’s performance mean for France’s national team?
Maignan’s form has silenced critics who questioned his place over Hugo Lloris or Steve Mandanda. With 12 saves and zero goals conceded in this derby, he’s now France’s undisputed No. 1 ahead of Euro 2028. His calm under pressure and leadership in high-stakes games make him the ideal starter for Les Bleus in a tournament where every save counts.
How does this result affect Inter Milan’s transfer strategy?
Inter’s lack of a clinical striker is now glaring. Despite having 17 shots, they scored zero. With Dzeko aging and Lautaro needing support, they’re likely to target a proven center-forward in January—possibly a loan from Bayern or a permanent move for a Serie A veteran like Andrea Belotti. Chivu needs someone who can finish chances, not just create them.
What’s the significance of AC Milan winning two derbies in one season?
AC Milan last won both derbies in a single season in 2016–17. Doing so now, especially with Inter as the league’s best team, signals a shift in power. It’s not just about points—it’s about momentum, confidence, and belief. Fans believe they can win the title. Players believe they can beat anyone. That’s the intangible that turns good teams into champions.
Was the under 2.5 goals bet a safe one?
Absolutely. With only one goal scored, the under 2.5 line paid out with ease. This was the lowest-scoring derby since 2020, and only the third time since 2015 that a Milan derby ended 1-0. Defensive discipline, not attacking flair, defined the match. Bookmakers are already adjusting the line for the reverse fixture to 2.0 goals.
