The Milan derby lived up to every ounce of its hype — and then some. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — better known to the world as San Siro — AC Milan stunned the league leaders, Inter Milan, with a 1-0 victory in the 12th round of Serie A. The result sent shockwaves through Italian football, not just because it ended Inter’s seven-match winning streak, but because it reshaped the entire title race. The goalscorer? Junior Messias, whose 68th-minute strike off a pinpoint cross from Christian Pulisic silenced the 75,000-strong Nerazzurri faithful. The win lifted Milan to third in the table, just one point behind Inter, and reignited the Scudetto battle with Napoli, Roma, and now Milan all within striking distance.
How the Derby Unfolded: Tactical Chess Match at San Siro
Inter came in as favorites — and they looked it. Their home form this season had been monstrous: five wins, one loss, 17 goals scored, just four conceded. They’d scored in the first half of 13 of their last 15 league games, including a 3rd-minute opener against Lazio just weeks before. Fans expected fireworks. Instead, they got a masterclass in containment.AC Milan’s coach, Massimiliano Allegri, returned to the derby after more than a decade away — and he came prepared. His side sat deep, absorbed pressure, and struck with surgical precision. Inter dominated possession (63%), but created little. Their front three of Lautaro Martínez, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and Marcus Thuram were kept quiet by a disciplined Milan backline anchored by Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori.
The turning point came in the 68th minute. A long ball from Ismaël Bennacer found Pulisic streaking down the left. He held off Denis Vavro and whipped in a low cross that Messias met with a first-time, right-footed finish past Andre Onana. The goal was simple. It was brutal. And it was enough.
Coaching Showdown: Chivu’s Inexperience vs. Allegri’s Savvy
The contrast in coaching styles couldn’t have been starker. On one sideline, Cristian Chivu, Inter’s rookie manager, was making his first major derby as head coach. A treble-winner as a player under Mourinho, Chivu brought attacking intent but lacked the tactical flexibility to adapt when Milan closed ranks. His substitutions — bringing on Edin Džeko and Matteo Darmian — felt reactive, not inspired.
On the other, Massimiliano Allegri looked every bit the wily veteran. He didn’t try to out-Inter Inter. He out-thought them. His team blocked passing lanes, forced Inter wide, and never panicked when pressed. He even held back Leão until the 75th minute — a move that preserved energy for the counter. Allegri’s calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Chivu’s increasingly frantic gestures. After the final whistle, Allegri simply nodded, raised a finger to his temple, and walked off.
The Numbers Don’t Lie — But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Inter’s stats were dazzling: 26 goals scored, 12 conceded, 8 wins in 11 games. They’d averaged 2.4 goals per match since September. But numbers don’t capture momentum — and Milan had it. Their unbeaten run stretched to 11 games across all competitions. They’d drawn three and lost just once in their last five meetings with Inter — including that 3-0 demolition in last season’s Supercoppa.
And then there’s the head-to-head record: Inter leads 23-14-10 in 47 meetings. But history doesn’t win derbies. Context does. This was the first time since 2014 that both teams entered the derby with 20+ points after 11 rounds. This wasn’t just about pride. It was about breathing room in the title race.
What This Means for Serie A’s Title Race
Before kickoff, Inter sat atop the table with 24 points. Napoli had 23. Milan had 22. Now? Inter still leads — but only by one point. Napoli, who beat Sassuolo 2-1 on Saturday, are right behind. Milan? They’re tied with Napoli on 25 points after this win. The gap between first and fifth is now just four points. With 27 games left, this wasn’t just a derby win. It was a statement.
Inter’s defense, once rock-solid, now looks vulnerable. They’ve conceded in six of their last eight matches. Their first-half scoring streak — 13 out of 15 — ended here. And with a tough run coming up against Juventus, Atalanta, and Lazio, the pressure is mounting.
Meanwhile, Milan’s confidence is soaring. They’ve won four of their last five away games. They’re scoring in the second half more than ever. And Allegri, at 57, is proving he still knows how to win when it matters most.
What’s Next? The Domino Effect
Inter’s next two matches are at home — against Juventus on December 1 and Roma on December 15. Lose one, and the title race explodes. Win both, and they can breathe again. But the aura of invincibility is gone.
AC Milan, meanwhile, travel to Napoli on December 8. A win there, and they’re top of the table. A draw? Still in the hunt. A loss? They’ll be back to chasing.
One thing’s certain: the Scudetto race has never been tighter. And the derby? It just became the defining moment of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Inter lose despite dominating possession?
Inter controlled the ball but lacked penetration. AC Milan’s compact shape forced them wide, and their midfield trio of Bennacer, Tonali, and Pulisic cut passing lanes effectively. Inter’s forwards were isolated, and their crosses lacked quality. Only 3 of their 15 shots were on target — a sign their build-up was predictable and easily read by Allegri’s defense.
How did AC Milan’s defense manage to shut down Lautaro Martínez?
Thiaw and Tomori played a man-marking system that switched responsibilities based on Martínez’s movement, while Tonali dropped deep to cut off through balls. Martínez received just 12 passes — his lowest total in any Serie A match this season — and had zero shots on target. Milan’s fullbacks stayed narrow, denying him space between the lines.
Is this a turning point for Cristian Chivu’s managerial career?
It’s a major test. Chivu’s tactical rigidity was exposed. He didn’t adjust at halftime, and his substitutions failed to change the game. While he has pedigree as a player, managing a top club requires adaptability. If Inter lose to Juventus next, pressure will mount. His future at Inter hinges on how he responds to this setback.
What does this result mean for AC Milan’s Champions League chances?
This win puts Milan firmly in the top four conversation. With Napoli and Inter now vulnerable, and Roma struggling defensively, Milan’s path to a top-four finish looks clearer. They’ve won 8 of their last 10 league games and are now just one point off the lead. A Champions League spot is no longer a dream — it’s a realistic target.
How does this compare to past Milan derbies?
This was the first 1-0 derby win for Milan at San Siro since 2017. Historically, derbies here have been high-scoring — 12 of the last 15 featured at least three goals. But this match was defined by tension, not flair. It echoes the 2005 derby when Maldini’s defense held firm, or 2011 when Inzaghi’s counter-attack stunned Inter. It’s a reminder: sometimes, the best way to beat a superior team is to play like you have nothing to lose.
Will Allegri stay at AC Milan beyond this season?
His contract runs until 2026, but with this win, speculation is growing that Milan’s board may extend it. Allegri’s calm authority and tactical discipline have restored belief in the squad. If they finish in the top three, he’ll be hailed as the man who brought Milan back from the brink — and could become the first coach since Ancelotti to win the Scudetto with Milan since 2011.