Estupinan's thunderbolt gives AC Milan second derby win of the season over Inter
AC Milan made it a double over city rivals Inter in Serie A this season after Pervis Estupinan's first-half finish proved enough to win the latest Derby della Madonnina 1-0 at the San Siro on Sunday.
One moment of quality decides it
The only goal arrived in the 35th minute. Youssouf Fofana picked out Estupinan with a pinpoint pass, and the Ecuador international let fly with a fierce shot that flew into the top corner. It was his first goal for the club, and there could hardly have been a bigger stage to break his duck.
"It is the most important goal of my life," Estupinan said afterwards, and few in the stadium would have argued.
Inter's lead trimmed but still comfortable
The result cut Inter's advantage at the top of Serie A to seven points. That remains a healthy cushion, but Milan's second 1-0 derby win of the campaign at least keeps some pressure on Simone Inzaghi's side heading into a packed run of fixtures that includes a Champions League last-16 tie this week.
Inter had the better of possession in the second half but could not find the equaliser. Milan's defence held firm and saw out a disciplined performance that will give the squad a lift going forward.
Elsewhere in Serie A
Earlier on Sunday, Genoa beat Roma 2-1 thanks to goals from Junior Messias (penalty) and Vitinha, with Evan Ndicka pulling one back for the visitors. The result pushed Roma closer to a nervous-looking mid-table pack, while Genoa moved further clear of the relegation zone.
Bologna lost 2-1 at home to Verona, and Fiorentina were held 0-0 by Parma in a frustrating afternoon at the Artemio Franchi.
