Stefano Pioli changed ideas on Milan‘s tactics after just 45 minutes and Lautaro Martinez looked on fire for Inter: Lorenzo Bettoni at San Siro brings you the initial talking points after the Nerazzurri’s 1-0 in the derby della Madonnina.

El Toro’s strike at minute 34 helped Simone Inzaghi’s side win their second consecutive derby in less than a month. Here’s what we learned from tonight’s derby della Madonnina at San Siro.

Pioli’s tactics

The Italian tactician picked a rather unusual 3-5-2 formation to protect his defence which had conceded 12 goals in the previous three matches. Junior Messias started among the three central midfielders and Rafael Leao was initially on the bench. It didn’t work out, as Milan only had 26% possession in the first half while the Nerazzurri dominated in the opening 45 minutes and had more than a chance to double their lead. Pioli returned to a 4-2-3-1 system in the second half, replacing Messias with Brahim Diaz during the break. The Rossoneri were a little bit more dangerous, but overall, Inter always looked in control.

Impressive Lautaro

Forget the goal, which of course was the highlight of his game. El Toro has scored six goals in seven matches after the World Cup break and looks as fresh as ever after Argentina’s triumph in Qatar. His performance against Inter’s city rivals was outstanding. His commitment and work rate saw him heavily involved in every area of the pitch. Attack, defence, midfield. Lautaro was everywhere and his bright touches often helped the Nerazzurri gain numerical advantage when building up the attack. He would be the best Serie A player at the moment if it wasn’t for a certain Victor Osimhen.

Leao doing nothing to prove Pioli wrong

The Portuguese striker was dropped for the second Serie A game in a row. After the match with Sassuolo last week, he also initially started on the bench in the derby and to be fair, he did little to prove Pioli wrong. He began as a sort of support striker but quickly moved down the left flank where he showed little of his immense potential. He created a couple of chances, but he got many passes wrong and hardly ran behind his opponents when losing the ball. He’s not at his best, but the Rossoneri desperately need their No.17 to gain a top-four finish this term.

Tops

Lautaro Martinez – We’ve already mentioned the Argentinean striker and all he did for Inter tonight. Nothing short of impressive. Man Of The Match.

Nicolò Barella – Another great performance from the Italy international who seems t have benefitted from a few weeks off during the break. He was understandably exhausted when he was replaced in the final minutes but was repaid by a well-deserved standing ovation.

Hakan Calhanoglu – Was responsible for the assist for Lautaro and his smart touches in the middle of the park helped the Nerazzurri build up the attack in style.

Flops

Olivier Giroud – Nullified by Francesco Acerbi, had the best chance for Milan in the second half, but his first touch was poor and allowed the Inter defender to regain possession in a critical situation.

Junior Messias – Like a fish out of water in the middle of the park. Pioli expected the Brazilian to cause trouble for Inter with his late runs, but the ex-Crotone man disappeared in midfield and was subbed off during the break.

Simon Kjaer – Strugged to cope with Inter’s strikers and lost touch with Lautaro in the first half, seeing El Toro score the winner.

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