Inter, Milan clinch last-gasp derby win over AC Milan
Lautaro Martinez's 97th-minute header secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for Inter Milan over fierce rivals AC Milan in Sunday's Serie A clash at the San Siro.
A thrilling encounter lived up to its billing, with Olivier Giroud cancelling out Lautaro's opener for Inter before Rafael Leao put Milan ahead early in the second half.
Substitute Alexis Sanchez appeared to have earned Inter a share of the spoils with a stunning volley in the 90th minute, but Martinez had the final say with a towering header to snatch all three points for Simone Inzaghi's side.
The result lifts Inter five points clear of Milan at the top of the Serie A standings, and gives them a major boost in the title race.
Inzaghi praised his team's fighting spirit after the match, saying: "We showed great character and determination to come back from behind twice. This win is a testament to the hard work and belief of my players."
Milan boss Stefano Pioli was left to rue his team's late lapse in concentration, saying: "We played well for most of the match, but we made a mistake at the end and it cost us the game. We need to learn from this and improve our focus in the closing stages of games."}
The match was played in a pulsating atmosphere, with both sets of fans creating a deafening noise inside the San Siro. Inter took the lead in the 24th minute when Lautaro headed home a cross from Hakan Calhanoglu.
Milan levelled just before the break when Giroud converted a penalty after Nicolo Barella had fouled Theo Hernandez in the area. Leao then put Milan ahead in the 54th minute with a fine solo effort, beating two Inter defenders before firing into the bottom corner.
Inter pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 90th minute when Sanchez volleyed home a cross from Federico Dimarco. However, there was still more drama to come as Martinez headed home a cross from Arturo Vidal in the 97th minute to seal a memorable victory for Inter.
The win is a major boost for Inter's title hopes, while Milan will be left to rue their missed opportunity to move level on points with their rivals.
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