Inter 2 AC Milan 2: Cristian Zapata’s 97th minute equaliser rescues dramatic point in stunning Milan derby

GOAL LINE technology was needed as Cristian Zapata’s 97th minute equaliser rescued a dramatic point for AC Milan in front of their new Chinese owners.

Alessio Romagnoli set up a grandstand finish with just eight minutes left on the clock when he latched onto Suso’s cross to claw Milan back into the game.

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AP:Associated Press

And the away side’s pressure finally paid off when defender Zapata rounded off a huge comeback after goal line technology confirmed his last gasp strike from close range had crossed the line.

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In a frantic derby, it looked as though AC Milan’s new era would get off to the worst possible start as fierce rivals Inter scored twice in the first half.

Goals from Antonio Candreva and captain Mauro Icardi left Milan’s new billionaire owners facing their first defeat since their £630million takeover.

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Romagnoli set up a tense finish when he latched onto Suso’s cross to bring Milan back into the game with seven minutes left on the clock.

But they made hard work for themselves after falling behind against the run of play in the first half.

Roberto Gagliardini launched a long ball forward and Candreva had the pace to beat Mattia De Sciglio in a foot race before looping the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma on 36 minutes.

It was a price to pay for Milan playing a high line but the killer blow was yet to come as captain Icardi doubled Inter’s advantage on the stroke of half time.

AP:Associated Press

Some neat football between the striker and Ivan Perisic allowed the Croatian playmaker to charge down the left before his perfect cross was tapped home by Icardi.

Milan certainly had the better possession during the first 45 minutes and some smart goalkeeping by Samir Handanovic denied the side in white from breaking the deadlock.

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AP:Associated Press

Everton reject Gerard Dealofeu, who looked the game’s brightest player, used his blistering pace to burst free of his defender in the opening 10 minutes but he couldn’t gather enough power in his shot.

And he came within inches of hitting the net when he cracked the post from a tight angle when the keeper thought he was going to cross.

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Following a ferocious first half of action, Inter managed to slow the game down in the second but it was Carlos Bacca who should have done better when Handanovic spilled the ball into the path of the striker but he couldn’t get the ball out of his feet to punish the home side.

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Once again Milan controlled the possession but struggled to find the cutting edge until Romagnoli set up a grand finale at the San Siro.

And then Manuel Locatelli's cross fell to Zapata at the back post where he made no mistake to spark wild celebrations.