Paulo Fonseca was under intense pressure heading into the derby but his clever deployment of the USMNT player paid off

AC Milan needed to respond after losing to Liverpool in the Champions League opening game, and Rossoneri manager Paulo Fonseca needed it to save his job after a poor start to the season. AC Milan won 2-1 in the first Derby della Madonnina of the season against Inter on Sunday thanks to the goals of USMNT winger Christian Pulisic and the deciding one of defender Matteo Gabbia.

Christian Pulisic is in a period of brilliance unseen in USMNT circles since a certain Clint Dempsey tormented defenses about 15 years ago.

Despite Inter's draw against Monza over the last weekend, the feeling is that the Nerazzurri won't miss the chance to win another Derby della Madonnina and mark the end of the Fonseca era at AC Milan. Pick: Inter 2, AC Milan 0.

Paulo Fonseca will switch to a 4-4-2 system against Inter tonight, while Federico Dimarco returns to action for the Nerazzurri and Lautaro Martinez starts in attack.It kicks off at 20: 45 CET (18:45)