Christian Pulisic’s goal gives AC Milan derby victory over Inter, while Roma beat Cremonese 3-1 to take top spot in Serie A standings
CHRISTIAN Pulisic fired AC Milan to a crucial 1-0 derby victory over Inter Milan on Sunday, moving his side to second in Serie A.
The American forward pounced for his fifth goal of the season in the 54th minute after Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer weakly palmed away Alexis Saelemaekers’ low shot.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri acknowledged his team’s vulnerability in less intense matches, stating “Often you’re more on it for a big match, and we need to understand that we’re vulnerable when we let the intensity drop.”
France goalkeeper Mike Maignan preserved the victory by saving Hakan Calhanoglu’s 74th-minute penalty and tipping a Lautaro Martinez volley onto the post before halftime.
Inter dominated play but couldn’t find their way past Maignan, with Francesco Acerbi also hitting the woodwork with a header.
The defeat leaves Inter fourth, one point behind Milan and champions Napoli.
Inter forward Marcus Thuram remained positive, saying “We’re on the right track. We believe in the coach and the project, and we can’t change our minds about that because of one defeat.”
Earlier, Roma moved top of Serie A with a 3-1 victory at Cremonese through goals from Matias Soule, Evan Ferguson and Wesley.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressed cautious optimism about their title chances, noting “I said yesterday that it’s only right to dream in these positions, even though in the end dreams rarely come true.”
Ferguson’s 64th-minute strike marked his first club goal in over a year, while Wesley sealed victory with a brilliant chipped finish moments later.
Gasperini was sent off for dissent shortly before Ferguson doubled Roma’s lead, meaning he’ll miss next weekend’s crucial clash with Napoli.
Francesco Folino netted a consolation goal in stoppage time for promoted Cremonese, who sit 12th after their fourth defeat. – AFP
