The thrilling Derby della Madonnina between AC Milan and Inter Milan took place recently, and it was a match filled with unforgettable moments, especially for Kyle Walker, who made his much-anticipated debut for AC Milan. Fans around the world tuned in to watch this exciting event unfold, which kicked off at 12 p.m. ET on February 2nd. As both teams battled fiercely, the atmosphere in the San Siro stadium was electric with anticipation and excitement.
How to Watch and Odds
For those who missed the match, it streamed live on Paramount+, and many were eager to place their bets with Inter favored to win. With the buildup of rivalries, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The fanfare around Walker’s first appearance in an AC Milan shirt drew significant attention, especially considering he replaced prolific player, Davide Calabria.
Team News
AC Milan, while welcoming Walker, also experienced notable changes in their squad. Alvaro Morata, who had been an important player for Milan, transferred to Galatasaray ahead of the match. Meanwhile, Santiago Gimenez, a promising talent from Feyenoord, joined the squad, although he missed playing due to timing issues.
Moreover, other key players like Yunus Musah and the fan-favorite Christian Pulisic were set to start, aiming to secure a solid performance against their city rivals. On Inter’s side, Hakan Calhanoglu was expected to make a return to the starting lineup, looking to help his team redeem themselves after suffering losses to AC Milan earlier in the season.
Kyle Walker Made His Mark
Kyle Walker’s debut match was nothing short of remarkable. As he stepped onto the pitch, eager to make his mark, he played the full 90 minutes, showcasing his skill and determination. Although the match ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw due to a last-minute equalizer from Inter’s Stefan de Vrij, Walker’s performance earned praise from fans and commentators alike.
Fans were quick to draw comparisons to AC Milan legend Cafu, recognizing Walker’s strong defensive skills and ability to contribute to the attack. This match undoubtedly set a strong foundation for Walker’s journey with AC Milan.
Personal Life in the Spotlight
Off the pitch, however, Walker’s life has been under scrutiny, particularly regarding his personal matters. Despite initially planning for his wife, Annie Kilner, to join him in Milan, she ultimately stayed in the UK, opting to attend a friend’s birthday instead. The couple has faced challenges in their relationship, making headlines for their ongoing marital issues, including a pending divorce, which has fueled public interest.
While Walker aimed to start fresh in Italy, shadows of his personal life lingered in the media, particularly with reports of his wife serving him divorce papers just before his big move. Despite these difficulties, he focused on his football, showing a commendable spirit in the face of adversity.
Looking Ahead
Following the derby, the focus shifts to how both teams will prepare for their upcoming matches. AC Milan aims to build on Walker’s impressive debut and improve their standing in the Serie A league, while Inter looks to regain momentum and close the points gap with league leaders Napoli. The future holds exciting possibilities for both teams as they navigate through the season, each with their own objectives.
Player | Action | Team |
---|---|---|
Kyle Walker | Debuted in Derby | AC Milan |
Alvaro Morata | Transferred | Galatasaray |
Santiago Gimenez | Joined (not played) | AC Milan |
Stefan de Vrij | Equalizer | Inter Milan |
