Memorable victory for Inter over their cross-city rivals

Thiago Motta and Diego Milito scored in their first competitive Milan derby, Maicon added a third before the break, and Dejan Stankovic struck midway through the second half as Inter completed a memorable victory over their cross-city rivals. The Italian champions bounced back from their 1-1 draw with Bari in style, sending AC Milan, who were reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Gattuso on 40 minutes, to their heaviest derby defeat since 1974.

José Mourinho threw new signing Wesley Sneijder straight into the fray and the Dutch midfielder fired an early warning with a trademark long-range drive, forcing a difficult one-handed save from Storari. Inter’s first-time passing was mouthwatering and the move that led to our opening goal was text book stuff. Thiago Motta received from Zanetti and continued his run into the box to curl first-time past the Milan keeper after deft touches from Eto’o and Milito.

Milito opened his scoring account for Inter with the second goal seven minutes later from the penalty spot after Gattuso carelessly brought down Eto’o in the box. The Italy midfielder’s personal nightmare continued when he was sent off for a second yellow after fouling Sneijder. Mourinho’s men took full advantage and increased their lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half, Maicon outwitting Jankulovski on the right and one-twoing with Milito before rifling past Storari.

Inter, reports official Nerazzurri’s website, continued their domination in the second half and Eto’o fired a right-foot shot just wide in the opening seconds. Sneijder came even closer with a long-range effort that dipped inches over the bar. Thiago Motta pulled up with a high problem and on came Sulley Muntari, who assisted Stankovic for Inter’s fourth midway through the half. The Serbian picked his spot and let rip and long-range swerveshot that flew into the top corner. Stankovic was denied a second with Milito seeing his rebound saved as the Nerazzurri came forward in search of a fifth on what was a humiliating evening for Milan.