Inter Milan Snatch Dramatic Draw Against AC Milan in Serie A Thriller

Stefan de Vrij scored a dramatic 93rd-minute equalizer as Inter Milan came from behind to draw 1-1 with AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina, extending their unbeaten Serie A run to 17 matches.

The 182nd Serie A Derby della Madonnina lived up to its billing, serving up drama until the very end. Inter Milan's Stefan de Vrij scored a 93rd-minute equalizer to rescue a point for his team against AC Milan, averting back-to-back head-to-head defeats.

The match began with an open and attacking tone, both teams eager to claim victory. Federico Dimarco thought he had scored for Inter inside seven minutes, but his goal was disallowed due to Lautaro Martinez's offside position. Christian Pulisic's shot was deflected behind, and Nicolo Barella had an effort saved as both teams created scoring opportunities.

As the half-hour mark approached, Inter began to gain the upper hand. However, Martinez endured a frustrating spell in front of goal. He failed to capitalize on Hakan Calhanoglu's cross, had a goal ruled out due to Barella's offside position, and was denied a corner after Strahinja Pavlovic deflected his effort wide. Martinez's woes continued as he blasted a shot off-target.

AC Milan soon posed a threat of their own, with Tijjani Reijnders' strike necessitating a spectacular save. Benjamin Pavard then made a superb tackle to prevent Rafael Leao from reaching Reijnders' through ball, highlighting the intense defensive battles on display.

AC Milan finally broke through before halftime, courtesy of a well-crafted goal. Rafael Leao's low ball was partially saved by Yann Sommer, but the rebound fell invitingly for Tijjani Reijnders, who slotted home the opener.

The second half began at a frenetic pace, with Inter squandering a gilt-edged opportunity within a minute of the restart. Lautaro Martinez fired straight at Mike Maignan, spurning a clear chance to level the score. Moments later, a swift Milan counterattack ended with Denzel Dumfries blocking Leao's shot, as the match continued to ebb and flow.

WHAT. A. GAME!#MilanInter ends level! ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/VyddI21aYz

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 2, 2025

The defensive battles intensified, with Fikayo Tomori expertly matching Stefan de Vrij's jump to deflect his header behind. Federico Dimarco's shot was then denied, prompting Simone Inzaghi to make a triple substitution in the 63rd minute. However, Inter's frustrations persisted as Martinez had another goal ruled out, perpetuating a familiar narrative.

As the match entered its final stages, both teams created scoring opportunities. Yann Bisseck's header struck the post, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan fired wide. Tijjani Reijnders' tame shot was denied, and the post came to Milan's rescue twice more, thwarting efforts from Marcus Thuram and Dumfries. Mike Maignan also made a brave intervention, rushing out to stop Dumfries.

Just when it seemed that Milan would hold on for victory, Inter struck in the 93rd minute. Debutant Nicola Zalewski chested the ball back into the path of Stefan de Vrij, who instinctively turned the ball home to secure a dramatic equalizer. This late strike extended Inter's unbeaten run in Serie A to 17 matches, while Milan's concession of a late goal added to their disappointment following their midweek loss to Dinamo Zagreb.