Hello from Italy!
It is now the morning after the night before, where I witnessed a football game and occasion that can probably never be matched.
Of course everyone has different preferences, but for me, the Milan derby or the Derby della Madonnina is at the top of my footballing bucket list.
Last night I was there to experience a thrilling Milan derby which had almost everything.
AC Milan are my favourite team outside of England, I am fond of Inter but I definitely have a lot more of an affiliation to the Rossoneri.
Also the current Inter team is basically an Arsenal fans worst nightmare as they have Alexis Sanchez (left Arsenal unceremoniously), Christian Eriksen (ex Spurs) and Victor Moses (ex Chelsea).
However I did actually love seeing this current Inter Milan side in action, but I will get on to that later.
I have been in Milan since Thursday, as this trip was a gift for my 21st so we have made a full trip out of it.
We were actually meant to go to Turin on Saturday but we had a nightmare with Italian trains (don’t ask).
Anyway Sunday finally rolled around and it was time to head to the San Siro.
For our pre-match meal, we wanted authentic Italian food in a typical Italian restaurant.
So we found ourselves in an American diner having Steak and Chips… excellent.
The ground opened 3 hours before kick off and we decided to just get in there and soak up the atmosphere.
I was completely in awe of the atmosphere as we grew closer and closer to kick off, it was just one of those moments where you want to pause time and really take it all in.
The noise really started to build about an hour before kick off and when the players came out to warm up, you really recognise how passionate both sets of fans are.
But soon enough the pre-match rituals were all done and it was time for kick off…
The first half was dominated by the visitors (kind of), and I thought they were mightily impressive considering the league positions of both sides.
Theo Hernandez and Ante Rebic were looking really threatening down the left hand side, and it was the Croatian who broke the deadlock after 40 minutes.
The goal came following a knock down from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and it was the legendary swede who doubled AC Milan’s lead just before half time with a powerful header.
This was an excellent first half and AC Milan were brilliant value for their lead.
The second half took a completely different pattern, as Inter completely bullied their city rivals, especially in the Midfield.
Marcelo Brozovic scored a stunning volley from just outside the box early in the half, and then Matías Vecino got the equaliser moments later.
Bang bang and Inter were back in it but they were not done yet.
Stefan De Vrij scored an excellent header with 20 minutes to go and complete a brilliant comeback from the home side.
The Rossoneri pushed for an equaliser of their own, and it was again Ibrahimović in the thick of the action.
Lucas Paqueta hung a ball to the back post and the big swede thumped his header against the post.
This was pretty much curtains for AC Milan, but Inter still had time to grab one more when Romelu Lukaku headed in from Victor Moses’ cross.
This sparked jubilation throughout the San Siro and it was a pleasure to be in and amongst it.
All I can say is that this was one of the most surreal experiences of my life and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to experience it.
Despite my mum trying her best to get run over or knocked out, we made it back to our hotel in about an hour.
Thanks for reading!
- GROUND: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
- GAME: Inter Milan 4-2 AC Milan
- COMPETITION: Serie A
- GROUND NUMBER: 72
- WOULD I GO BACK: Yes
- TICKET PRICE: €175 (booked through Football breaks)
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