Estupiñán’s Goal Secures Derby Victory for AC Milan, Closing Gap on Inter
Milan, Italy – AC Milan defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the San Siro, reducing the gap at the top of the Serie A table to seven points. The decisive goal came from Pervis Estupiñán, marking his first goal for the Rossoneri.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Estupiñán scored 10 minutes before halftime, capitalizing on a through ball from Youssouf Fofana. The goal followed a missed opportunity by Inter’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who was denied by AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan in a one-on-one situation.
Inter pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but Milan’s defense held firm. Federico Dimarco missed a crucial chance for Inter, shooting over the bar from a promising position. Milan’s Fofana similarly had a shot saved, preventing them from extending their lead.
Serie A Standings and Implications
This victory marks AC Milan’s first league double over Inter since Massimiliano Allegri’s first tenure 15 years ago. While Inter still leads Serie A, Milan’s win keeps their title hopes alive and extends their unbeaten run against Inter to seven matches in all competitions.
A win for Inter would have extended their lead to 13 points with only 10 matches remaining. However, Milan’s victory has reignited the title race, with Allegri stating the championship will be decided in the coming months.
Key Statistics
- AC Milan has collected 60 points in its first 28 matches for the fourth time since 2009/10.
- AC Milan won both games against Inter in Serie A in one season for the first time since 2010/11.
- AC Milan won three consecutive matches against Inter in all competitions for the first time since November 2010.
- Inter failed to score in three consecutive matches against AC Milan in all competitions for the first time since October 2004.
- Inter lost for the first time in Serie A since November 2025 – also against Milan.
- Milan is unbeaten in at least seven consecutive derbies against Inter for the first time since November 2002.
Looking Ahead
Inter remains the favorites for the title with a seven-point lead, but Milan’s recent form and head-to-head victories suggest a competitive finish to the Serie A season. The next 10 matches will be crucial for both teams as they battle for the Scudetto.