Despite AC Milan missing out on taking the undisputed lead in Serie A on Sunday, Inter Milan was the team that was the most disappointed as the Milan derby finished in a 1-1 draw.
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Hakan Calhanolu, a former Milan midfielder, converted a penalty for Inter in the 11th minute and celebrated loudly against the club he left on a free transfer in June after four years. Soon after, Milan equalised thanks to an own goal by defender Stefan de Vrij, and Inter had a penalty saved in a fast-paced first half.
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"We missed so many opportunities, including a penalty, and we deserved more." But we were up against a fantastic team that deserved to be at the top. And we're still getting better... Milan and Napoli are progressing at a fast pace, but there are still many games to play and plenty of time and space.”
Milan and Napoli remained level on points at the top of the Italian league after a 1-1 draw against Hellas Verona earlier in the day. Inter finished third, seven points behind the leaders.
"We struggled for the opening 20 minutes of the second half, but we came back to win." Overall, I'm pleased.
Milan wanted to make a statement by moving 10 points clear of defending champion Inter, but they were missing a number of key players and had Theo Hernández suspended. It got off to the worst possible start as Franck Kessié clashed with alhanolu, resulting in a penalty.
Alhanolu slammed the spot kick straight down the centre before sprinting to an adjacent corner to celebrate in front of the Milan fans. He put his hands up to his ears after being shouted by the crowd.
Inter's lead lasted only six minutes before De Vrij headed a free kick by Sandro Tonali into his own goal.
Fikayo Tomori celebrated as though he had scored, and the stadium announcer announced his name, but the goal was ultimately ruled an own goal.
Inter was awarded a second penalty in the 27th minute when Fodé Ballo-Touré brought down Matteo Darmian. Lautaro Martnez stepped up this time, but Ciprian Tătărușanu saved his spot kick.
In the closing minute of the half, Ballo-Touré made amends for his mistake by clearing the line from an unmarked Nicol Barella.
Inter had the better chances in the first half and continued to do so after the break, while Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovi came close to winning the game.