The Scudetto is now very much Inter's to lose

Well, well, well ... the Derby della Madonnina did not fail to disappoint. Inter were the immoveable object and Milan the irresistible force. But it was Inter who prevailed on the night, running out 2-1 winners. Adriano struck (with his arm) on 30 minutes then Dejan Stankovic powered in a fantastic right foot shot from the 18 yard box to double Inter's lead, but Milan staged a fight back in the second half and pulled one back through Pato, and had an Inzaghi strike disallowed for, rather surprisingly ... offside. All in all Inter were the better team with the defensive frailties of Milan exposed once more.

A few conclusions can be drawn from the game firstly, the Scudetto is Inter's to lose and Milan are most definitely out of the race for the title. Also it is clear the AC Milan defence is in much need of an overhaul, with the centre back position being a priority after Kakha Kaladze's horror show and Paolo Maldini'a advancing years. The time is now -or the summer at least- for the Rossoneri to completely renovate the back line.

Inter on the other hand were surprisingly solid at the back, Walter Samuel and Christian Chivu were largely untroubled by the barrage of Milan crosses, Maicon was absolutely fantastic down the right hand side and for me is the best right-back in the world at the moment. In addition, the assured performance of Davide Santon was a joy to behold and his levelheadedness seemed beyond his years, though he still has some way to go to become the reputed ‘new Maldini'.

Ronaldinho had an adequate evening and showed glimpses of his ability but to quote one BBC commentator he was, "economical with his movement" and along with Beckham, he couldn't unlock a rigid Inter defence. Pato for all his skill, enterprise and effort he looked extremely isolated up front and needs a strike partner immediately. Inzaghi, on his introduction did improve Milan's attacking options and scorer what would have been a cracker of an equaliser, if he managed to stay onside, but apparently he was born offside and so it proved.

Adriano and Ibrahimovic make an impressive pair, the pace, power and industry of Adriano very much compliments the nimble, quick-witted and incisive Zlatan. Supported by Stankovic and a wonderful Maicon, Inter looked threatening every time they approached the Milan penalty area and should have had at least four.

Following the game Milan coach expressed his distaste at the awarding of the first goal, "As for Adriano's goal, I'd say his header was certainly not going into the net, the hand was decisive for the goal. Whether it's voluntary, I cannot say, but the ball was clearly not going on target. I would call that a fairly clear incident. The player is totally clear to jump and under no pressure. It's easy to judge"

While Jose was his usual self when asked about the nights events, "I don't think Milan deserved the draw, as we were strong for a long time. I know Milan reacted well at the end, but we had the chances to seal it." And Inter President Massimo Moratti couldn't help but rub salt the in the Diavolo's wounds," We should have won by more, but the most important thing was that we got the result and did so by showing strength and determination."

What next for the Rossoneri? 3rd place and the UEFA Cup? It seems that's the best they can hope for. Inter on the other hand have 3 in a row (the 2004 Scudetto was awarded to no-one) undeniably within their reach, the Coppa Italia and a mouth-watering Champions League tie with Manchester United to look forward to. For the moment the top dogs in the fashion capital are Il Biscione (the big grass snake).