The 2025/2026 Derby della Madonnina has once again captured the attention of Italian football fans, as AC Milan achieved a remarkable feat by defeating city rivals Inter Milan in both league encounters this season. The double triumph has sparked discussions about tactical approaches, team preparation, and the ongoing Serie A title race.
The most recent clash took place on matchweek 28 at San Siro on Sunday, March 9, 2026. AC Milan secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a decisive goal from Pervis Estupiñán, earning three crucial points for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
This win continued Milan’s impressive streak against Inter. In the first meeting of the season on November 24, 2025, the Rossoneri also triumphed 1-0, with Christian Pulisic netting the only goal. The back-to-back victories have reignited competition at the top of Serie A, but former Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini has his own perspective on why Inter stumbled twice in the derby.
Chivu Criticized for Tactical Missteps
Pazzini believes that Inter’s recent derby defeats stem from tactical errors made by coach Cristian Chivu. According to the former striker, the Nerazzurri’s strategy did not work as intended, leaving the team vulnerable to Milan’s disciplined approach.
Despite the losses, Inter had been enjoying a strong run before the derby, including 14 wins and a draw following their previous defeat to Milan. Pazzini argues that these matches reveal Inter’s failure to implement an effective game plan, allowing Milan to exploit their weaknesses.
“The last defeat before this also came in a derby against Milan, after which Inter recorded 14 victories and one draw. There is no doubt that Chivu made a mistake in this match,” Pazzini said in an interview with Aura Sport, via Football Italia.
This analysis suggests that Inter’s preparations for high-pressure encounters like the derby were insufficient, providing Milan with a clear advantage. Pazzini highlights that recognizing and exploiting such tactical shortcomings is a hallmark of a well-prepared team.
Allegri Praised for Perfect Preparation
On the other hand, Pazzini gave full credit to Massimiliano Allegri for Milan’s success. He praised the Rossoneri coach for preparing his squad meticulously, ensuring the team maintained tactical discipline and organizational structure throughout the match.
According to Pazzini, Allegri’s approach disrupted Inter’s rhythm and prevented them from playing their usual style of football. The result was Milan winning both derbies this Serie A season, a feat that Pazzini insists is far from coincidental.
“You have to give credit to Milan. Allegri prepared the matches perfectly. It’s no surprise that he won both derbies this season,” Pazzini emphasized.
This acknowledgment reflects the growing recognition of Allegri’s strategic acumen and his ability to motivate and organize his squad for high-stakes encounters. The careful preparation, he suggests, was a decisive factor in Milan’s victories.
Milan’s Position in the Scudetto Race
Despite Milan’s achievements, Pazzini maintains a realistic view regarding the Serie A title race. He notes that Inter remains in a strong position to challenge for the Scudetto, with a seven-point lead and roughly ten games left in the season.
While Milan’s double derby victory has narrowed the gap, the challenge of overtaking Inter is significant. Pazzini believes that unless extraordinary circumstances arise, Milan will struggle to surpass their city rivals in the title chase.
“I think the conversation about the Scudetto is still open, but Inter has a strong hold. Milan needs something truly unexpected to drastically change the title race,” he explained.
This perspective underlines the competitive nature of Serie A, where tactical precision, consistency, and resilience are essential for any team aiming to clinch the championship.
Implications for Future Derby Matches
The outcomes of these derbies also have broader implications for both clubs. For Milan, the victories provide a confidence boost and demonstrate Allegri’s ability to prepare his team effectively for critical matches. For Inter, the defeats highlight areas needing improvement and the importance of strategic planning in high-profile games.
Former players and analysts may continue to dissect these encounters, offering insights that could influence future tactical decisions. Pazzini’s observations suggest that lessons learned from these derbies could shape both teams’ approaches in the remaining fixtures of the season.
Conclusion
AC Milan’s double success over Inter Milan in the 2025/2026 Derby della Madonnina underscores the importance of preparation, tactical discipline, and adaptability in football. According to former Milan striker Giampaolo Pazzini, Inter’s struggles were largely due to Chivu’s missteps, while Allegri’s meticulous planning ensured Milan emerged victorious in both encounters.
While Milan has shown its capability to challenge the top, Inter remains the favorite in the Scudetto race. The series of derby results not only highlights Allegri’s coaching expertise but also reflects the ongoing tactical battles that define Serie A. For fans and analysts alike, these matches provide valuable lessons on strategy, preparation, and the fine margins that determine success at the highest level of Italian football.
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