The defensive performance played a huge part in AC Milan’s win over Inter in the derby, and a video of Strahinja Pavlovic has only confirmed that.
Over the years, we have become used to Inter creating quite a lot of chances in the derbies, especially when they managed to win six games on the trot. However, in the most recent edition, the Nerazzurri only had one shot on target (!) and it came in the first half.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
Of course, the fact that Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram were unavailable for the game made a difference, even if it’s not an excuse. Especially since Pio Esposito has been hyped up like mad by the Italian newspapers, while Ange-Yoan Bonny has scored a few goals this season.
Regardless of the quality, it’s clear that Milan did their utmost in the defensive phase in terms of keeping the strikers quiet. As you can see in the video below, even if it’s just one sequence of the game, Pavlovic never let Esposito out of his sight and constantly reminded him of his presence.
طف الصوت 🔇
والله بيو حاول وحاول بس بافوليتش ماعطاه شيء، بيو يحتاج لهبرة ومازال. pic.twitter.com/9wDckZ6COw
— 🍋 Thamer ⭐️⭐️ (@i_THAMER6) March 10, 2026
Brilliant defending from the Serbian, and the same was seen across the board with Fikayo Tomori and Koni De Winter also putting in solid shifts at the back.
Our defenders would do wonders in the Champions League I think. More than Atalanta or Inter imploding in that competition.
Agreed. I think Max would set them up very well. How about our wing play or attack?
great teaching clip.
I hope Allegri can coach Pavlovic into a 4-man defence at some point. As a left legged and offensive minded defender, he could have immense potential!