Pulisic fires AC Milan to win over Inter

Christian Pulisic fired AC Milan to derby victory with the only goal in Sunday's 1-0 win over Inter Milan, moving his side up to second in Serie A and within two points of new leaders Roma.

USA forward Pulisic 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's only true opportunity of a tense encounter at a boisterous San Siro.

Pulisic has been excellent for Milan this season, with two assists to go with his league-leading goal tally.

But Milan also had Mike Maignan to thank for the three points as the France goalkeeper kept out Hakan Calhanoglu's penalty in the 74th minute and tipped a Lautaro Martinez volley onto the post eight minutes before half-time.

Francesco Acerbi thumped a header onto the woodwork 10 minutes before as Inter dominated the play but couldn't find their way past Maignan.

Inter sit fourth, a point behind Milan and champions Napoli, and narrowly above high-flying Bologna.

Cristian Chivu's team now turn their attentions to Wednesday's Champions League clash at Atletico Madrid, where they can take another step towards direct qualification for the last 16 after winning all four of their previous matches.

Milan meanwhile have a whole week to bask in a second straight derby win, with the red and black half of the city not having tasted defeat to their local rivals since Inter sealed their 20th league title against them in April 2024.