A second-half header from Nigel de Jong has given AC Milan a 1-0 victory over local rivals Inter Milan in Serie A this evening, ending a run of five Milan derbies without a win.
Adel Taarabt had the only real chance of the opening half hour, as he tried to drill the ball in from outside the box, but his finish was high and wide.
Samir Handanovic had just the one save to make in the first half, denying Mario Balotelli from a free kick less than 10 minutes before the break.
The best chance of the first half fell to Kaka, as he hit the ball on the half-volley from the edge of the box, but saw his strike deflected back off the crossbar.
The home side continued to create the majority of the chances after the break, and took the lead in the 65th minute when De Jong headed in from a Balotelli free kick.
Balotelli thought that he had found the net himself shortly after, but his goal was disallowed as Giampaolo Pazzini was offside.
Play was briefly halted when a Rossoneri fan ran onto the pitch inside the final 15 minutes, planting a black and red flag in the centre circle before being escorted to the sideline by the home players.
Mauro Icardi tried to get Inter back on level terms with a header from a Jonathan cross, but Adil Rami was able to make the block.
The visitors continued to press for an equaliser as they look to confirm their place in next season's Europa League, but a curling effort from Ricardo Alvarez inside the final 10 minutes drifted wide.
Diego Milito tried to force the ball in during stoppage time following a Hernanes free kick, but his finish failed to trouble the keeper.
Inter will have another chance to secure a top five finish when they face Lazio next weekend.
Sian Cowper
