Inter 1-1 AC Milan (HT: 0-1)
Scorers: El Shaarawy 21, Schelotto 71
MILAN (Sporting Alert) — AC Milan and Inter Milan played to a 1-1 draw in the Serie A Milan derby at San Siro on Sunday night.
Goalscoring striker Stephan El Shaarawy gave AC Milan the lead in the 21st minute when he collected a through ball from Kevin-Prince Boateng and calmly fired past Samir Handanovic in the Inter Milan goal.
Prince Boateng’s clever pass split two Inter defenders and slipped through to El Shaarawy, who squeezed his shot past the keeper at the near post.
“It was a great ball from Prince that set me up,” said El Shaarawy. “I’m happy with the goal as scoring in a derby is a really unique experience.
“The result was a bit disappointing as we deserved to win based on how we played.”
Inter Milan fought back and gained a point, as substitute Ezequiel Matias Schelotto scored in the 71st minute to keep Andrea Stramaccioni’s side in the hunt for a Champions League place.
Yuto Nagatomo floated a nice cross inside the penalty area and Schelotto, after pulling away from his marker, powered home a header past Christian Abbiati.
“I think a draw is a fair result in the end,” Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni said.
“AC Milan were superb in the first half, but we were determined to get ourselves back into it and we ended the game stronger.
“Thanks to Handanovic’s brilliant saves as well.”
He added: “A draw was the right result.”
Former Inter Milan forward Mario Balotelli started and played the full 90 minutes for AC Milan tonight.
Meanwhile, Stramaccioni took the time to praise the Nerazzurri fans for their efforts at keeping the team motivated.
“They were fantastic today once again and, as I said before the game, they don’t need anyone to lecture them,” the coach said.
“They know how to behave as fans. And they do it magnificently. All I can do is thank them.”
