AC Milan 0-2 Inter Milan
Two second-half goals gave Inter a crucial win over bitter rivals Milan, a result which keeps Antonio Conte’s side top of the league.
The Milan Derby is always a highlight in the Serie A calendar, with Inter fans particularly looking forward to meeting their old foes. And they had the night of their lives as I Nerazzurri dominated from start to finish.
Marco Giampaolo’s AC Milan were never really in the game once Marcelo Brozovic scored the opener, and Antonio Conte’s perfect start as Inter coach continues with his fourth win in four.
Conte’s summer signing of Romelu Lukaku was enough to make Juventus think they may have a serious challenge this term. And the Serie A 2019 updates from the afternoon revealed a struggle for the Bianconeri, narrowly beating Hellas Verona 2-1.
So when Lukaku headed the second, it made it a great night for I Nerazzurri, who are still two points clear at the top.
Highlights of the game
Roared on by the red half of the Guiseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan had the opening shot on target. Mateo Musacchio headed down for Krzysztof Piatek, who let fly with a right-foot effort, but it was easily gathered by Samir Handanovic. That was the only save the Inter skipper had to make in the first 45 minutes.
His opposite number, Gianluigi Donnarumma, was called into action when Diego Godin got on the end of a Stefano Sensi cross, and then again when Lukaku took a pot shot after good work from Lautaro Martinez. Sensi then put Marinez in, but once again Donnarumma saved.
I Rossoneri fought back and when Lucas Biglia teed up Hakan Calhanoglu, his shot was charged down. The wide midfielder had another opening but he fired his effort over the bar. Suso had a shot blocked and then Piatek headed over in the last action of the first half.
But in the first real opening of the second half, Inter broke the deadlock. It was defensive midfielder Marcelo Brozovic who took a pass from Sensi and fired low into the corner beyond the despairing dive of Donnarumma. VAR took a look at the goal to check for offside but the Inter celebrations continued.
I Nerazzurri stepped up a gear in search of a second goal. Brozovic came close to doubling his tally, but Donnarumma saved well, low to his right. In a flurry of Inter chances, Nicolo Barella fired wide, Martinez had a shot saved and Lukaku headed a good chance just past the post.
But the second goal eventually came on 76 minutes when Barello crossed and Lukaku planted his header low into the bottom corner.
Milan’s best effort came in the closing minutes when Ante Rebic fed Theo Hernandez, and his left-foot effort crashed against the post.
Key statistics
Milan’s mission was to end Inter’s perfect start but I Rossoneri never really got started as Inter clicked through the gears.
The first half failed to provide a clear-cut chance for either side, though there was plenty of huff and puff as Inter dominated possession. They were behind in the shot count by five to seven, though Conte’s side did have three on target, while Milan managed just the one.
But the second half was one-way traffic as Inter ended up winning the shot count by 19 to nine, with seven efforts on target while Milan couldn’t add to their one, though Hernandez hit the post with a late effort.
After Inter’s excellent start the Serie A 2019 betting odds have nudged Conte’s team slightly ahead of Napoli as second favourites to lift the title, while AC Milan are fourth favourites.
What’s next?
Inter have a huge home game against Lazio to look forward to on Wednesday. I Biancoceleste have star striker Ciro Immobile in form with three goals already this season.
But Inter’s form under Conte is irresistible so far and confidence is sky-high. Lukaku is growing in confidence by the day and is also on three goals.
Milan are away to Torino and that will be tough, as Giampaolo tires to lift his side up from midtable and out of the shadow of their city rivals.
Serie A is bubbling up nicely already, and you can keep up with all the action, previews and the best Asian Handicap Betting offers right here at SBOBET.
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