Nkunku scores, AC Milan draw with Inter Milan in the derby on Australian soil.

The derby between Milan and Inter in Australia finished 1-1, with Christopher Nkunku converting a penalty to secure a draw for AC Milan in the friendly match on August 5 at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the match carried great emotion as both teams paid tribute to legend Franco Baresi. Before kickoff, Milan and Inter players observed a minute of silence, while the entire Rossoneri squad took the field wearing the legendary number 6 jersey of the former captain. The match was also paused in the 6th minute to further honor one of the greatest icons in AC Milan's history.

Milan started actively and created numerous early chances. Samuel Chukwueze constantly troubled the right flank, but Francesco Camarda and then Davide Bartesaghi failed to get on the end of dangerous crosses. A few minutes later, Yunus Musah hit the post from close range after a cross from Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

On the other side, Inter responded with shots from Francesco Pio Esposito and Piotr Zielinski, forcing goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani to work hard.

After a back-and-forth contest, Inter opened the scoring in the 53rd minute. Young talent Matteo Lavelli made a favorable run down the flank, allowing Nicolo Barella to cross, which set up Federico Dimarco to slide in and tap the ball in from close range, giving the black-and-blue team the lead.

Coach Ruben Amorim then made up to eight simultaneous substitutions, bringing on a host of key players like Luka Modric, Rafael Leao, and Goncalo Ramos to increase the pressure.

These adjustments quickly paid off as Leao and Goncalo Ramos continuously created dangerous combinations in front of Ivan Provedel's goal. In the 84th minute, Milan were awarded a penalty after Christopher Nkunku fell in the box under contact from Carlos Augusto. Despite the referee's decision being controversial, the French striker calmly blasted the ball into the roof of the net, securing a 1-1 draw.

In the final minutes, Inter almost regained the lead when Henrikh Mkhitaryan unleashed a powerful shot, but Torriani made an excellent save. The black-and-blue team also suffered a setback as center-back Yann Bisseck had to leave the pitch after a heavy collision with Pervis Estupinan.

The draw on Australian soil brought many positive signs for both teams ahead of the new season. For AC Milan, Nkunku's brilliance and the increasingly good connection between Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos were noteworthy highlights. Meanwhile, Inter continued to show their squad depth with impressive performances from several young players, especially Matteo Lavelli, who contributed to Federico Dimarco's opening goal.