The Derby della Madonnina once again turned out to be a game with a dramatic end, so, what did we learn from Inter and Milan's latest?
Words: Isak Möller
Serie A is becoming more global
For the first time in history, a Derby Della Madonnina's kick-off was scheduled at 12:30, on a Saturday. This was decided by the Lega in order to attract more viewers from outside of Italy.
The Derby della Madonnina once again turned out to be a game with a dramatic end, so, what did we learn from Inter and Milan's latest?
Words: Isak Möller
Serie A is becoming more global
For the first time in history, a Derby Della Madonnina's kick-off was scheduled at 12:30, on a Saturday. This was decided by the Lega in order to attract more viewers from outside of Italy.
China, where both Milan and Inter's owners are from, usually suffers from Serie A kick-offs being in the middle of the night. However, on Saturday, the game started at 18:30 local time, which attracted many more viewers and broadcasters in China and Asia of course.
CalcioeFinanza.it made a calculation before the game of how many viewers they expected, with the total number being a whopping 862m; a record for any Serie A game. The picture below truly demonstrates what impact Asia could have on Serie A; not only getting the league out there, but also increasing the income.
image via calcioefinanza
Milan need to take their chances
Despite the scoreline at half-time, believe it or not Milan were actually the team on top for most of the time. After just one minute of play, Roberto Gagliardini gifted a great chance to Milan and Deulofeu, who really should have scored.
In total, the Rossoneri had 14 shots, compared to Inter's 10. However, the players in white did not have their shooting boots on, at least not in the first half.
This, along with poor defensive actions, led to Milan being two goals down in half-time; a scoreline that certainly did not reflect the game. Luckily, Milan managed to get into the game thanks to two wonderful strikes, courtesy of Romagnoli and Zapata, but the players have some work to do on the training ground.
Deulofeu should sign permanently
Even though Milan did not see much of the ball in the first half, they still managed to get into dangerous positions, often thanks to Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu. The Spaniard has continued to impress ever since his arrival in January, and it seems he's made to play in Serie A.
With his technique, pace and understanding of the game, he's absolutely lethal on the counter-attack, and in wide positions. Gary Medel, who most of the time found himself against Deulofeu on the counter-attacks, really struggled to keep up with the winger's pace and if it hadn't been for Samir Handanovic in goal, Deulofeu would surely have scored.
However, it's not always a joy to watch Deulofeu, as he often ends up taking one touch too many, even in good positions. We saw an example of this on Saturday already after one minute, where he arguably should have taken the shot rather than cutting in on his right foot. Perhaps he's still suffering from the low self-esteem he had at Everton, as he more than often opts to shoot with his right foot, although he's proven many times before that his left-foot isn't too bad at all.
Milan are truly a second-half team
We've seen it many times before this season, and on Saturday we got to see it again. Despite having to start the second half two goals down, the belief never seems to end for this Milan side, even when it's still 0-2 in the 80th minute. What's going on in their dressing room during half time, will remain unknown, but it's clear that Vincenzo Montella is doing something right.
Milan sides throughout recent years have lacked exactly this; faith and belief for what they do, as well as the fighting spirit for the Rossonero shirt. It's about time that we get to see this again, as it's a vital part of becoming successful.
We're getting closer and closer to the end of the season, but it looks like these comebacks from Milan could indeed pay off, as they have a big chance of finishing fourth in the league, or at least getting a Europa League spot.