Saelemaekers Shines on Milan Return: The Derby Moment That Rekindled a Title-Winning Spirit

Saelemaekers’ Return Sets the Stage for Milan’s Derby Triumph

On a charged November evening at San Siro, AC Milan’s 1-0 victory over Inter was more than just another chapter in the city’s storied rivalry. For Alexis Saelemaekers, it marked a homecoming in every sense—one filled with emotion, responsibility, and a rekindling of the spirit that propelled Milan to their 2021-22 Scudetto.

The Belgian winger, freshly returned from loan spells at Bologna and Roma, found himself thrust into the derby spotlight. His low, curling shot in the 54th minute may have been parried by Inter’s Yann Sommer, but the rebound landed perfectly for Christian Pulisic to slot home the game’s only goal. It was a moment that captured both the unpredictability and the drama of these encounters—a split second where effort and fortune collided to reshape the Serie A table.

From Loan Journeyman to Derby Hero: Saelemaekers’ Journey

For Saelemaekers, the journey back to Milan has been transformative. Speaking to reporters after the match, he described the experience as “wonderful” and confessed he couldn’t have dreamt of a better return. “I have a great love for Milan, but I learned a lot, I matured, and I came back with more responsibility and a desire to truly show who I was,” Saelemaekers told Football Italia and SempreMilan. His time away, he emphasized, was about growth—both as a footballer and as a person.

Saelemaekers’ reintegration into the Milan squad has brought renewed energy and perspective. He referenced the intense expectations around the derby, noting, “From the first day I arrived at Milan, they immediately talked to me about the derby, and it stuck in my head. I know it’s a game you don’t have to play, but win.” It’s a mentality that has clearly seeped into the collective consciousness of the squad—a refusal to treat the derby as just another fixture.

A Sense of Family, Old and New

The shadow of Milan’s 2021-22 title win looms large for the current generation. Saelemaekers drew direct parallels between that season and the current campaign, citing a renewed “sense of family” within the group. “The sense of family from the Scudetto year is very present this year. It’s up to us to prove that we can continue like this,” he explained. The reference isn’t just nostalgic; it’s a challenge to the team to recapture the unity and resilience that made them champions.

That unity was on display against Inter. Despite being outplayed for stretches—Inter hit the woodwork twice and forced a penalty save from Mike Maignan—Milan’s collective effort saw them through. Saelemaekers was candid about the need for focus, especially against less glamorous opponents: “Winning against the big teams always makes a bigger difference. Now let’s enjoy this victory, but then we need to find a mental connection against the smaller teams too.”

Decisive Moments and the Mental Game

The match itself was a study in fine margins. Saelemaekers’ shot was neither the most powerful nor the most spectacular, but it was enough to unsettle Sommer—a fact not lost on legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who remarked to fcinter1908.it that low-energy shots are sometimes the hardest to parry effectively. Sommer’s inability to clear the danger proved decisive, leaving Pulisic with a simple finish and Milan with the bragging rights.

Yet, Milan’s victory rested not just on attack but on resilience. Mike Maignan’s penalty save from Hakan Calhanoglu and a vital stop from Lautaro Martinez’s volley kept Inter at bay. The tension in the stands was palpable, and so was the relief at the final whistle—a testament to the stakes and the psychological weight these games carry.

Saelemaekers, for his part, was quick to highlight the work behind the scenes: “It’s important for the work done during the week, but from tomorrow, we need a mental switch. Forget this match and work for the next one. It’s important to move forward and reset.” That ability to compartmentalize—to celebrate briefly, then refocus—could be the difference in a congested title race.

The Road Ahead: Scudetto Dreams and Hard Realities

With Milan now sitting second, just two points behind leaders Roma, the prospect of another Scudetto is being whispered in Milanese bars and training grounds alike. But Saelemaekers and his teammates are wary of getting ahead of themselves. “We don’t look at the standings so much, but we work hard during the week to prepare for the matches, proving we’re a united group,” he stressed.

The Belgian’s maturity is evident in his perspective. He acknowledges the pitfalls of inconsistency—Milan have dropped points to lesser opponents even as they’ve excelled in high-stakes matches. The message from the dressing room is clear: unity and mentality will be the pillars of any title challenge.

As for Saelemaekers himself, the derby has restored not just his confidence but his standing among the Milan faithful. “I feel everyone’s confidence this year. I’m giving my all to help the team, both defensively and offensively. For now, it’s working well. Now we have to take a step forward and be ready for the next matches,” he said, echoing a sentiment that resonates across the red and black half of Milan.

Legacy and Leadership: A New Chapter for Saelemaekers

In football, careers are often measured by moments—goals scored, trophies lifted, derbies won. For Saelemaekers, this derby might be remembered as the night he fully returned, not just to Milan but to the center of its ambitions. His journey, marked by growth, humility, and an unshakeable commitment to the team, is a microcosm of the values Milan hope will carry them to new heights.

As the season unfolds, the question lingers: Can this Milan side, rejuvenated by the likes of Saelemaekers, recapture the spirit—and the silverware—of years past? The answer, as always in football, will be written on the pitch.

Saelemaekers’ story is a timely reminder that football’s greatest victories are seldom the work of individuals alone. They are forged in collective resolve, honed by adversity, and made memorable by those who seize their moment when it matters most. For Milan, and for Saelemaekers, the real work—and the real test—still lies ahead.