Milito gives Inter big derby win over rivals

MILAN - Reuters

Argentinean forward Diego Milito (C) is congratulated by his Inter teammates after scoring the only goal in his team’s derby victory over AC Milan in a Serie A game. REUTERS photo

Diego Milito, struggling for most of this season, scored early in the second half to give Inter Milan a surprise 1-0 win over archrival AC Milan in their Serie A derby on Jan. 15.

The Argentine broke clear of the defense and placed his shot inside the far post to propel Claudio Ranieri’s team back into the title race and end Milan’s unbeaten 12-match league run in which they dropped only two points.

Champion Milan, who began the weekend as joint leaders with Juventus, had the better of the first half but failed to take its chances as coach Massimiliano Allegri lost a derby for the first time in his 18 months in charge.

Milan dropped into second place one point behind Juventus after the unbeaten Turin side drew 1-1 at home to Cagliari. Inter stayed fifth but its sixth successive win moved the team within six points of Juventus, who have 38 points.

“It was an important examination for us, in terms of the table and team morale,” Milito told Inter’s website (www.inter.it).

“Winning the derby is the best thing possible especially for everyone who supported me when things got difficult.”

Ranieri said: “This was a gigantic step. We’ve played a good game, tactically aware. We’re playing well and getting our pride back.”

A dreadful stoppage-time miss by forward Milos Krasic cost Juventus the chance to win after they squandered an early lead.

Rare chance
Krasic, out of favor under coach Antonio Conte this season, was given a rare chance and failed to take it as he sent a weak effort wide when presented with a free shot inside the penalty area.

Mirko Vucinic had given unbeaten Juventus a seventh-minute lead, only for Andrea Cossu to equalise three minutes after the break with a 25-metre shot that swerved away from Gianluigi Buffon.

Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, sacked by Cagliari before the start of the new Serie A season, made a winning start at Parma who beat Siena 3-1, leaving them 12th with 22 points.