How Acerbi irritated Leao in first half of Inter vs. Milan

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Nov 23, 2025 4:11 PM ET

Rafael Leao confronted Francesco Acerbi during the first half of Inter-Milan on Sunday, arguing that the Nerazzurri defender had pulled his hair.

Inter defender Acerbi frustrated Milan star Leao in the first half of Sunday’s derby della Madonnina between Inter and Milan.

Leao confronts Acerbi in Inter vs. Milan: what happened?

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The incident happened towards the end of the first half after a Milan attack. Once the ball went out, Leao headed towards Acerbi inside the Inter box, angrily telling him not to pull his hair.

The confrontation ended pretty quickly, but only because a couple of Inter players separated the pair.

What Acerbi told the referee after Leao incident

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Gustav Isaksen of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Francesco Acerbi of Internazioale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Referee Simone Sozza took the matter into his own hands, urging the players to clear the air, but Acerbi insisted he didn’t do it on purpose.

Football Italia is among the accredited media at San Siro this evening. You can follow live updates from the derby della Madonnina in the Football Italia LIVEBLOG.

The first half at San Siro ended 0-0, but Christian Pulisic opened the account for Milan early in the second half.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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