‘Too early’ – Costacurta identifies Milan error in 1-1 derby draw | OneFootball

Alessandro Costacurta feels Milan adopted a defensive approach ‘too early’ in a 1-1 derby against Inter on Sunday: ‘They were under pressure.’

Milan secured a 1-1 draw against Inter on Sunday, but they have plenty of regrets as they saw Inter defender Stefan de Vrij score a late equaliser to avoid the Rossoneri’s third consecutive win against their city rivals.

Milan legend Costacurta analysed the Rossoneri’s performance on Sky Sport Italia.

“The second half, with Inter hitting the woodwork twice, proves that Milan were quite under pressure,” said the ex-defender.

‘Too early’ – Costacurta identifies Milan error in 1-1 derby draw

epa11870703 Milan’s Fikayo Tomori (R) in action against Inter’s Nicolo Barella during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Inter FC, in Milan, Italy, 02 February 2025. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

“Perhaps the error was to track back a bit too early.”

Milan are unbeaten against Inter this season and even beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, but the team’s approach in games against ‘weaker’ opponents has been widely debated.

“I don’t know if it’s about the match or the opponent,” argued Costacurta.

“The match three days ago [against Dinamo Zagreb] was very important, and I believe they didn’t understand it. They didn’t read the game well. On the other hand, games against Real Madrid and Inter motivate most players to give a great performance.”

Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 last week, losing 2-1 away at Dinamo Zagreb. The Rossoneri will meet Dutch side Feyenoord in the Champions League knockout playoff later this month.

Milan sit 8th in the Serie A table with 35 points, five below Juventus in fourth, but Sergio Conceiçao’s men have a game in hand.