Inter went into the match with AC Milan with a 10-point lead at the top of the Serie A standings. A win or even a draw for Cristi Chivu’s men would have virtually closed the title race, but the Nerazzurri have developed a complex in front of their great rivals, ticking off the 7th match in which they fail to win. What’s more, AC Milan prevailed 1-0, getting closer to 7 points from the Italian leader.
Inter controlled the game and had the initiative, but grinded in the goal in front of Maignan’s goal. Slow attacks, predictable crosses, lack of ideas and a mistake in defense cost Chivu’s team 3 points. The “Devils” scored only once, through Estupinan (35), immediately after Mkhitaryan, alone with the goalkeeper, had shot directly at him.
Without top scorer Lautaro Martinez, who fussed on the sidelines more than some of his outfield colleagues, Inter attacked in waves in the second half, enjoying a crushing 75% possession. But Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive wall dealt with the Nerazzurri with ease, only Dimarco managed to escape the opponents’ grasp once. But the player who saved Cristi Chivu many times throughout this season shot over from the ideal position.
In overtime, the referee stepped in. The first time, the center whistled right before the ball entered the Milan goal, the goal being cancelled. Then, Inter asked for a shot from 11 meters, after a clear handball in the box in the last phase, but the referees pretended not to see, and the VAR did not intervene.
