TOO GOOD TO KEEP: MIKE MAIGNAN'S HEROICS MEAN MILAN FACE AN INEVITABLE SUMMER SALE
After heroic derby saves, Mike Maignan's Milan future is in doubt. With his contract expiring in 2026 and a renewal stalled, Milan faces a dilemma: meet his wage demands or risk losing him for free like Donnarumma.
Mike Maignan was the star as Milan edged out Inter 1-0. He saved a penalty and made two amazing saves, stopping Inter from scoring.
Now that the game is over, people are wondering about Maignan's future. His contract with Milan ends in 2026, and there's no word on a new one. Plus, he almost went to Chelsea last summer.
Milan might lose another key player for free. They've seen it before with Hakan Calhanoglu, Gigio Donnarumma, and Frank Kessie.
But Maignan is a bigger deal
He pretty much won six points for Milan with his great performances against Inter and Roma. But he's also been hurt a lot and hasn't always played his best. Still, when he's on form, he's incredible.
He wants a lot of money, so Milan needs to think carefully before making a decision.
Fans will be excited after his derby performance, but it’s important to stay calm and consider everything.
Maignan isn't young, either. Goalkeepers can play longer than other players, but there are younger options like Zion Suzuki and Elia Caprile.
Suzuki is young but needs work. Caprile could be a good fit.
The former Napoli player is a natural leader and is always open about his goals. He makes important saves, as we saw at Cagliari. Plus, he's played for a big Italian team before.
Caprile might even play for Italy soon. He could be the one to replace Maignan, even if some fans want Maignan to stay. It looks like Maignan has other plans.
FAITH CONFIRMED: MARCUS THURAM SAYS INTER TRUST THEIR CURRENT DIRECTION
After a 1-0 derby loss to AC Milan, Inter's Marcus Thuram backs coach Simone Inzaghi and the team's tactics. Despite struggles in big games, Thuram insists, "We trust the coach and the current plan," vowing to improve without drastic changes.
After the loss in the derby to AC Milan, Marcus Thuram says Inter believes in the coach and the tactical approach. One loss won't change their minds.
The Nerazzurri attacked a lot, hitting the goal frame twice in the first half with Francesco Acerbi and Lautaro Martinez. But Christian Pulisic scored the only goal, giving AC Milan a 1-0 win.
Hakan Calhanoglu was presented with a chance to tie the game from the penalty spot after Thuram was fouled by Strahinja Pavlovic, but Mike Maignan blocked it.
Thuram is confident in Inter's plan
When asked if he was unlucky in the first half when Mike Maignan made an amazing save, Thuram didn't agree.
“I should’ve aimed it the other way,” Thuram told DAZN Italia. “The ball approached from one side, and I should have directed it back across him.”
Inter hasn't done well in big games this season, losing to Juventus, Napoli, and AC Milan. Their only win was against Roma.
Milan, in comparison, beat Bologna, Napoli, Roma, and Inter. They also drew with Juve, even when their performance wasn't better than the other team overall.
“I can’t explain it, but we will find the answers with the coach. He’s a great coach and gives good advice on how to get better. It was a big game, but it’s only November, and there are many more matches to play.”
Observers have noted that the Nerazzurri are susceptible to counterattacks in situations where they can't turn their dominance into goals.
“We want to keep the ball a lot, so when we lose it, we become open on the counterattack. Milan and Real Madrid are the most dangerous teams in Europe on the counter.
“We lost, but I think we are going in the right direction. We trust the coach and the current plan, so one loss won’t make us change our minds. We can always improve, but we can’t throw everything away,” Thuram said.
DERBY DOMINATION: PULISIC GOAL GIVES MILAN SECOND SPOT.
Christian Pulisic's 54th-minute goal sealed a crucial 1-0 Derby della Madonnina win for AC Milan over rivals Inter. The victory tightens the Serie A title race, moving Milan to 25 points, just behind Napoli in a tight table.
AC Milan clinched a win in the Derby della Madonnina, edging out Inter by one goal. Mike Maignan and Christian Pulisic were key players in the victory. Check out the player ratings below.
Christian Pulisic registered a goal in the 54th minute of the Derby della Madonnina. After Inter keeper Yann Sommer couldn't hold onto Alexis Saelemaekers’ shot from way out, Pulisic put the rebound in from point-blank range. It was a swift riposte, with Milan keeping the play alive until Pulisic was able to knock in the first goal.
Milan Goes Ahead
Pulisic's goal gave AC Milan a 1–0 win over Inter Milan. It was a great counterattack set up by Massimiliano Allegri's team. Youssouf Fofana made a key play in midfield, then passed to Alexis Saelemaekers on the right. Saelemaekers shot a rocket, and Sommer made a save, but Pulisic was there to finish it.
That's Pulisic’s seventh successful strike this season and his fifth in Serie A. He's been on a roll since coming back from injury.
Allegri's Tactic Proves Effective
Allegri went with a 3-5-2, putting Pulisic and Leão up front. Even though Internazionale controlled the start of the second half, it worked out. Before Pulisic scored, Milan faced significant pressure. Inter had been unlucky, with Francesco Acerbi and Lautaro Martínez both hitting the post in the first half. Mike Maignan also made a great save to deny Martínez.
The Rossoneri and the Nerazzurri are Ready for Season-Long Fight
This game could have significant implications for the Serie A title chase. AC Milan now has 25 points, just two behind Napoli. Inter is fourth with 24 points. It’s only their third league loss of the season.
The league table is tight, so this derby win could be huge in what's looking like a really tight title fight.