Inter vs. AC Milan: Score and Reaction from 2015 Serie A Match

Inter climbed to the top of the Serie A standings on Sunday night after clinching a 1-0 victory in the first Milan derby of the 2015-16 season, as Fredy Guarin rose to belt home the fixture's only goal.

The two teams were evenly pitched in the first half, but Milan manager Sinisa Mihajlovic saw his defence crumble in the 58th minute as they permitted Guarin to roam in and lash in the game's opener from range.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Mario Balotelli came off the bench and was a major positive for the visitors in his second Rossoneri debut, but the on-loan Liverpool striker was unable to lift Milan's spirits back into competing for a points haul.

Sunday's derby gave the Nerazzurri their first Derby della Madonnina victory in almost two years, having last beaten their closest foes 1-0 back in December 2013.   

The result also means Roberto Mancini's men are the only team to have won all three of their opening fixtures so far this season, as Football Italia confirmed their rise back to Italy's peak:

Not since the 4-2 Inter win in 2012 has a Milan derby produced more than two goals, and Sunday's collision instantly suggested it wouldn't break the drought as both sides fought out a tense and fractious fixture.

Mauro Icardi and Stevan Jovetic were looking to make their impression as Mancini's newly formed striking pair, but it was Colombian Guarin who always seemed like Inter's most potent threat in front of goal.

But while Inter relied on a select few individuals to impress, Milan attackers Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano struggled to get a clear sight at Samir Handanovic's net.

It wasn't until after the restart that Guarin strode effortlessly toward Diego Lopez at the other end before unleashing the game's opener from 20 metres out, earning the plaudits of Di Marzio translator David Amoyal:

It was the midfielder's maiden goal of the 2015-16 campaign and his first strike since April, putting Mancini's men in buoyant mood as long as the wall of Felipe Melo and Geoffrey Kondogbia could continue to keep the enemy at bay.

But then the almost fate-like happened as Balotelli replaced Bacca with 30 minutes left and instantly showed he is still a class act despite a miserable year at Anfield, per Andy Kerr of beIN Sports:

The Italy striker is hoping to earn his way back into Antonio Conte's Azzurri squad after being dropped, and he tested Handanovic from long range, clipping the bottom of his right post in the 77th minute.

Soccer Italia writer David Swan didn't need much convincing to assert why Balotelli should be back among the national team fold—he impressed enough in his cameo despite the defeat:

Mancini ensured the three points would be his thanks to the late introduction of Andrea Ranocchia, who slipped in alongside Gary Medel and Jeison Murillo to form a five-man defence Milan simply couldn't penetrate.

The defeat means Milan have lost two of their opening three matches this season and have conceded in each of their outings thus far.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

The standout positive for Mihajlovic was to see Balotelli showing such promise in his first appearance back in Milan colours and potentially raise his hand to start against Palermo next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Inter can take satisfaction in the fact they remain the only Serie A outfit with a 100 percent record this term, which they'll hope to extend when they make the trip to face Chievo next Sunday.

Post-Match Reaction

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

What better way for Inter to give their 2015-16 Serie A campaign an early boost than by breaking their Milan derby drought to get one over on their most bitter rivals and move to the Italian summit?

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after Sunday's victory, Mancini confessed a fixture as tense as this is tough so early in the season, but neglected to list the Rossoneri as being a rival for the Scudetto, per Football Italia:

"

It is difficult for both teams only three rounds into the season, as neither can express its full potential. We have started well, there were many people in the crowd and hopefully both of those trends will continue.

As I said last week, big clubs must start out targeting the ultimate prize. Then you need luck, consistency and other elements to go your way. Who are the other contenders for the Scudetto? Juventus, Roma and Napoli.

"

Mancini was also especially impressed with the debut of summer signing Melo, whom he brought to the San Siro after managing the midfielder during their time at Galatasaray together.

The helmsman hailed the all-round influence of the Brazilian anchor and insisted Inter must aim for top spot this season, the "ultimate prize:"

"

I trained him at Galatasaray and he’s a great player. He’s experienced, can do everything and is determined – not in a bad way. He had a great game tonight.

We are only in Week 3 and football can change in the space of 90 minutes. These results must give us the confidence to carry on this path. Other squads are better placed to win the Scudetto, but we are Inter and we must go for it.

"

With Juventus having failed to win any of their three games so far this season, the Nerazzurri are in prime position to take advantage and open up a greater lead should any of their foes stumble further.