TIME MACHINE: AC MILAN vs. INTER

With the derby approaching, our preparations take us back to a historic meeting. Spring 1988, defending champions Napoli led the table by two points above AC Milan, with four matches remaining. But Arrigo Sacchi's side was mounting a strong comeback, driven by enthusiasm, intensity and belief. The Milan derby on April 24 was therefore much more than a local rivalry: it was a decisive step in the race for one of the most iconic Scudetti in Rossoneri history. At San Siro, in front of more than 76,000 spectators, AC Milan produced one of the best performances of the Sacchi era. 

The star of the evening was an unstoppable Ruud Gullit. The Dutch superstar led the Rossoneri's attacking play and deservedly put the team ahead in the 43rd minute. Set up by Alberigo Evani, the number 10 controlled the ball before firing a powerful left-footed shot under the crossbar. It was the goal that broke the deadlock in a game AC Milan had dominated but had yet to take control of. Just eight minutes into the second half came the moment that settled the derby once and for all: Daniel Passarella's misplaced clearance was intercepted by Pietro Paolo Virdis, who raced towards goal, rounded Zenga as he came off his line and scored to make it 2-0.

From then on, AC Milan continued to control the game, coming close to a third goal on several occasions. Organization, technical quality and fitness came together in a style of football that was changing the European landscape, but the derby was only the penultimate chapter of a memorable comeback. One week later, AC Milan travelled to the San Paolo and beat Napoli in the decisive head-to-head clash. The takeover at the top became a reality, and a few weeks later the Rossoneri won the eleventh Scudetto in their history.

Looking back today at that AC Milan vs. Inter match on April 24, 1988, we see one of the purest expressions of Sacchi's football, which is aggressive, modern and spectacular. A convincing victory on the scoreboard and an even more emphatic performance, one that turned the derby into a statement of intent. The Diavolo was ready to complete its mission, and before long, Italy would crown one of the most revolutionary teams of all time.

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