Derby della Madonnina: 5-3 Thriller (2006/07)
A chaotic San Siro classic where seven goals defined a championship season.
The Derby della Madonnina match played on April 29, 2007, stands as one of the most dramatic encounters in the history of AC Milan and its city rivals, Inter Milan. Occurring during a season defined by controversy following the Calciopoli scandal, this fixture saw both teams battle for Serie A supremacy in a game that ultimately ended with a staggering 5-3 scoreline in favor of Milan. It remains a testament to the attacking prowess of Arrigo Sacchi's successor and the resilience required to navigate one of football's most intense rivalries.
- Date
- April 29, 2007
- Venue
- San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza)
- Competition
- Serie A
- Final Score
- AC Milan 5 - 3 Inter Milan
- Milan Scorers
- Kaká (2), Gilardino, Shevchenko, Seedorf
- Inter Scorers
- Motta, Zanetti, Milito
Lore & Background
The tactical battle was fierce, with both managers deploying aggressive attacking lines that left gaps at the back. The game became a free-for-all of goals and counter-attacks, showcasing the individual brilliance of stars like Kaká and Shevchenko against Inter's experienced defense. Despite the chaos, Milan managed to pull away in the dying moments, securing a victory that would prove vital in their eventual title win.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights at San Siro hummed with an intensity that matched the roar of the crowd. The air was thick with anticipation as Kaká received a pass just outside the box, his eyes fixed on the top corner. He struck the ball with precision, sending it sailing past the keeper into the net. The Rossoneri erupted, but the game was far from over; every minute brought another surge of emotion, another goal, until the final whistle confirmed a night that would be etched in Milanese folklore forever.
Reader's Guide
The match began with Inter pressing high, looking to exploit Milan's defensive vulnerabilities. However, Milan responded with fluid attacking moves, capitalizing on space behind the Inter defense. The first half was a goal-fest, with both sides trading blows and leaving little time for breath.
Kaká opened the scoring early, setting the tone for an offensive spectacle. Inter equalized quickly through Motta, but Milan's Gilardino restored their lead before halftime. The second half saw Shevchenko and Seedorf add to the tally, while Inter fought back with goals from Zanetti and Milito.
The turning point came in the final minutes when Milan scored a decisive fifth goal, sealing a victory that felt like redemption. The tactical openness of both teams led to a high-scoring affair, but Milan's clinical finishing proved superior.
Did You Know?
- This match is one of only a handful of Derby della Madonnina games to feature seven or more goals.
- Kaká scored two crucial goals in this fixture, highlighting his form during the 2006-07 season.
- The victory helped AC Milan secure the Serie A title despite starting the season with significant point deductions.
- Inter's three goals came from different players: Motta, Zanetti, and Milito.