Inter Milan 1-0 AC Milan

Mario Balotelli returned to action for AC Milan but could not prevent Inter Milan winning a closely fought derby.

Balotelli, back at the club on loan from Liverpool, hit the post after coming on as a substitute as a goal from Fredy Guarin moved Inter top.

Roberto Mancini's side maintained their 100% start by continuing their impressive recent record against their city rivals at the San Siro.

Colombian midfielder Guarin found the bottom corner from outside the area.

Is Mario back on track?

Without question, Milan carried much more of a goal threat after Balotelli's introduction just after the hour, and the 25-year-old drew praise for his performance from team-mates and his manager afterwards.

"The Mario Balotelli we saw tonight is the one we want to see every match," said AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo.

"He is training well. Let's give him time and then come Christmas we will see how he is getting on and how much he has changed."

The former Inter striker was immediately into the action, taking responsibility for set-pieces, striking the frame of the goal from outside the box and forcing a fine save from Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Equally as importantly as he attempts to atone for an abject 12 months at Anfield, the Italy international refused to respond to Inter's attempts to provoke him during an encouraging cameo.

By doing so, he seemed to show the mental strength he says he requires to get his career back on track again. It has been reported that he has a good conduct clause in his contract, meaning he is banned from extravagant haircuts, smoking and visiting night clubs.

"He definitely did well after he came on," added Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic. "He is training well and will surely give us a big hand. He knows what he has to do, he has to continue working and now is not the time to judge him."

Are Inter serious title challengers?

Juventus have won the last four Serie A titles, but their shaky start to the season - one point from their opening three matches - could open the door to a title bid from another team this season.

And Inter could be that side, having made their best start to a season for 13 years, returning to the summit of Serie A after the latest victory.

It is now just one defeat in nine games against their fierce rivals, and Sunday provided further evidence of their ability to grind out wins when not playing to their maximum.

Line-ups
Match Stats
Live Text

Line-ups

Inter Milan

Formation 4-3-1-2

1Handanovic
21Santon
17Medel
24Murillo
5Nunes JesusBooked at 37minsSubstituted forAlex Tellesat 68'minutes
13Guarín
83MeloBooked at 63mins
7Kondogbia
44PerisicSubstituted forRanocchiaat 85'minutes
9Icardi
10JoveticSubstituted forPalacioat 72'minutes

Substitutes

8Palacio
11Biabiany
12Alex Telles
14Montoya
22Ljajic
23Ranocchia
27Gnoukouri
30Carrizo
33D'Ambrosio
55Nagatomo
77Brozovic
97Manaj

AC Milan

Formation 4-3-1-2

1López
20AbateBooked at 22mins
17Zapata
13Romagnoli
2De Sciglio
27KuckaBooked at 66minsSubstituted forPoliat 72'minutes
18Montolivo
28Bonaventura
10HondaBooked at 42minsSubstituted forCerciat 81'minutes
9De Souza da Silva
70BaccaSubstituted forBalotelliat 62'minutes

Substitutes

5Mexes
8Fernández Saez
11Cerci
15Ely
16Poli
23Nocerino
32Abbiati
33Dias da Costa
34de Jong
45Balotelli
96Calabria
99G Donnarumma

Referee:: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:: 79,154

Match Stats

Home TeamInter MilanAway TeamAC Milan

Possession: Home51%; Away49%

Shots: Home16; Away19

Shots on Target: Home4; Away3

Corners: Home6; Away7

Fouls: Home19; Away16

Live Text

Post update
Match ends, Inter Milan 1, Milan 0.
90'+6'
Full Time
Second Half ends, Inter Milan 1, Milan 0.

90'+5'
Post update
Foul by Alex Telles (Inter Milan).
90'+5'
Post update
Mario Balotelli (Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.
90'+4'
Post update
Attempt missed. Giacomo Bonaventura (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right following a set piece situation.
90'+3'
Post update
Foul by Alex Telles (Inter Milan).
90'+3'
Post update
Alessio Cerci (Milan) wins a free kick on the right wing.
90'+3'
Post update
Foul by Geoffrey Kondogbia (Inter Milan).
90'+3'
Post update
Mario Balotelli (Milan) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
90'+2'
Post update
Corner, Milan. Conceded by Jeison Murillo.
90'+1'
Post update
Attempt missed. Giacomo Bonaventura (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
89'
Post update
Corner, Milan. Conceded by Andrea Ranocchia.
87'
Post update
Attempt missed. Jeison Murillo (Inter Milan) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right following a corner.
86'
Post update
Corner, Inter Milan. Conceded by Cristian Zapata.
85'
Substitution
Substitution, Inter Milan. Andrea Ranocchia replaces Ivan Perisic because of an injury.
83'
Post update
Corner, Milan. Conceded by Alex Telles.
83'
Post update
Attempt blocked. Cristian Zapata (Milan) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Giacomo Bonaventura with a cross.
82'
Post update
Corner, Milan. Conceded by Samir Handanovic.
82'
Post update
Attempt saved. Mario Balotelli (Milan) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
81'
Substitution
Substitution, Milan. Alessio Cerci replaces Keisuke Honda.

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