'It was a game within a game' - Saelemaekers reflects on Dimarco battle and derby win

"We know Dimarco is a great player and that Inter's game depends primarily on him. For me, the defensive phase was important. They're dangerous on the left side, I tried to block his crosses because we know he has really top technique. Whenever you give him space, he puts the ball where he wants."

"These were the coach's tips before the match: block his crosses, go hard on him straight away, don't let him play. It was a game within a game today, I'm happy we won and got the three points."

"We agree with the coach, we're following his lead. Our goal is to qualify for the Champions League. We played a great match, which was important for us. We had a great mentality, united until the end."

AC Milan secured a 1-0 victory over Inter at San Siro, with Pervis Estupinan scoring after a pass from Youssouf Fofana. The win cuts the gap at the top to seven points and ends Inter's 15-game unbeaten run. Saelemaekers highlighted Milan's defensive strategy, explaining that he was specifically instructed to block Federico Dimarco's crosses and prevent him from playing freely on the left side. Dimarco is identified as crucial to Inter's attacking play, and Milan's high-pressing approach successfully contained Inter's threats. Saelemaekers praised the team's mentality and unity throughout the match, emphasizing their focus on qualifying for the Champions League.

Read at SempreMilan