Serie A: Estupinan fires Milan to derby win over Inter

AC Milan claimed derby honours after defeating Inter Milan 1-0 to keep their faint Serie A title hopes alive.

A first-half strike from Pervis Estupinan proved decisive at San Siro, reducing the gap between the two sides at the top of the table to seven points with 10 matches remaining.

The victory also marked Milan’s second league win over their city rivals this season.

Estupinan breaks deadlock

The decisive moment came 10 minutes before half-time when Youssouf Fofana delivered an accurate pass to Estupiñán on the edge of the penalty area.

The Ecuadorian defender controlled the ball before unleashing a powerful strike that beat the goalkeeper and gave Milan the lead.

The goal arrived shortly after Inter had missed a major opportunity to go ahead.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan surged forward from midfield but fired his shot straight at the Milan goalkeeper when well placed.

Chances at both ends

Milan began the second half strongly and nearly doubled their advantage when Fofana tested the Inter goalkeeper with a well-struck effort.

Inter also created opportunities in response. Full-back Federico Dimarco found himself in space inside the penalty area but sent his attempt over the crossbar.

The missed chance proved costly as Milan maintained their defensive discipline.

Milan hold firm late on

Inter increased the pressure in the closing minutes as they searched for an equaliser.

However, Milan’s defence held firm to secure a significant victory in the derby.

The result ended Inter’s run of eight consecutive league wins and handed them their first defeat since losing to Milan earlier in the season.