Rafael Leao celebrated his 100th Serie A appearance with a derby double that helped Milan defeat Inter 3-2 at San Siro.
The Portuguese winger added an assist to his tally as he proved to be the class act on display, despite recent interest from Chelsea.
Milan won their second consecutive league derby against their city rivals, with whom they share the famous stadium, thanks to Leao’s efforts. It is the first time Milan has done so since the 2010-11 season, when they won their first two league derbies under Massimiliano Allegri.
As Scudetto holders, Olivier Giroud also scored. Milan won the Derby della Madonnina, with goals from Marcelo Brozovic and Edin Dzeko for Inter.
In the 21st minute, Milan’s defense splintered, allowing Brozovic a clear run on goal, with the midfielder taking on a throughball from Joaquin Correa and slotting into the bottom-left corner.
Eight minutes later, Leao equalized with a left-footed shot that arrowed across Handanovic, who got a fingertip to the ball but couldn’t keep it out of the right corner.
As Milan stepped up their game before halftime, Sandro Tonali, Theo Hernandez, Charles De Ketelaere, and Giroud threatened.
In the 54th minute, Giroud put them ahead after Leao’s cross from close to the left touchline found the French striker, who sent a bobbling shot across Handanovic and into the net. The goalkeeper could have performed better.
Inter’s defense should be ashamed of themselves for allowing Leao to saunter through and score his second and Milan’s third goal in the 60th minute. The forward’s quick feet were impressive, but the lack of a tackle was embarrassing.
Dzeko’s low centre provided a lifeline for the Nerazzurri, but Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan kicked away another shot from the Bosnian as Inter searched in vain for an equalizer.
What does it imply? Milan claims bragging rights.
Stefano Pioli’s side spent a lot of time at the top of Serie A during their championship-winning season last year, and this victory returned them to the top, albeit briefly.
It was an imperfect performance, but Leao’s quality shone through, propelling Milan to 11 points from five games, two more than Inter, who have now lost twice this season.
There could have been a sting in the tail, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s 25-yard blast went just wide, much to Rossoneri relief.
Leao lethal gets a first.
Leao made history by becoming the first Portuguese player to score in a Milan derby, and his timing couldn’t have been better.
He now has 17 assists in Serie A, the most by any player born after 1999, and has moved to second in the goals stakes among such players, moving one ahead of Andrea Pinamonti.
Dusan Vlahovic (55) leads the way in that age group in goals.
Dzeko demonstrates that class is eternal.
Dzeko was introduced by Simone Inzaghi shortly after Milan’s third goal, and three minutes later his near-post run was rewarded with a goal, his years of experience paying off.
The former Manchester City and Roma forward became Inter’s oldest scorer against Milan in Serie A at the age of 36 years and 170 days (overtaking Walter Samuel, 34 years and 198 days).
Important Opta Facts
- For the first time since January 31, 2016, Milan have scored at least three goals in a Milan derby in all competitions.
- For the first time since 2011, Milan has won two consecutive Serie A matches against Inter (the first two Derbies under Massimiliano Allegri).
- Milan have won six consecutive Serie A home games for the first time since August 2014.
- For the first time since March 2020, Inter has lost two consecutive Serie A away matches (under Antonio Conte).
What comes next?
The Champions League awaits, with Milan visiting Salzburg on Tuesday and Inter hosting Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Milan travels to Sampdoria on Saturday, while Inter hosts Torino at San Siro on the same day in Serie A.