Diego Moreira produced a performance to remember as AC Milan defeated city rivals Inter 3-1 in the Derby della Madonnina, delivering one of their most impressive results of the season.
The 22-year-old was involved in all three of Milan’s goals, providing two assists before scoring a stunning free-kick to cap an outstanding individual display at San Siro.
Milan made a flying start and needed just four minutes to take the lead. Moreira created the opportunity with an excellent delivery into the penalty area, allowing Christian Pulisic to head home from close range.
The hosts doubled their advantage only six minutes later, with Adrien Rabiot getting on the scoresheet after another contribution from Moreira. His delivery from a corner caused problems for the Inter defence, and Rabiot’s effort found its way into the net.
Inter needed a response and managed to pull one back in the 22nd minute. Alessandro Bastoni rose highest to head home from Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner, giving the visitors hope of getting back into the contest.
However, Moreira had the final say before the break.
With Milan looking to restore their two-goal advantage, the young winger stepped up to take a free-kick in the 43rd minute. He produced a wonderful left-footed effort, curling the ball over the wall and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Josep Martinez to make it 3-1.
It was a special moment that capped an extraordinary first-half performance from the Portuguese-born Belgium international, who had already played a major role in setting up Milan’s first two goals.
Inter tried to find a way back after the interval, but Milan defended their advantage with discipline and limited their rivals’ opportunities. Mike Maignan also made important saves to ensure the Rossoneri maintained their comfortable lead.
The victory is particularly significant for Milan, who have now beaten Inter in four consecutive meetings across competitions and extended their unbeaten run against their city rivals to eight matches.
It also ends Inter’s unbeaten start to the Serie A season, making the result even more important in the early title race.
Moreira will understandably take much of the attention after such an influential display. Scoring once and assisting twice in a Milan derby is an impressive achievement, and his performance could prove to be a major turning point in his season.
