Half-Time Report: Jeremy Menez gives Rossoneri lead in Milan derby

A first-half goal by Jeremy Menez has given AC Milan a 1-0 lead against bitter city rivals Inter Milan in this evening's Serie A clash at the San Siro.

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The Nerazzurri very nearly broke the deadlock in the eighth minute when Sulley Muntari's poor pass fell to Mauro Icardi, leaving him effectively one-on-one with Diego Lopez, but the Argentine's subsequent weak shot was smothered by the Milan goalkeeper.

Just four minutes later, Fredy Guarin fired a powerful shot from 25 yards, but the ball flew straight at Lopez, who managed to gather it at the second attempt.

On the quarter-hour mark, the game was stopped temporarily as Dodo was elbowed in the face by Muntari, the Brazilian crumpling to the ground and bleeding from the nose.

Following a few tentative but poorly-executed chances midway through the first half, the Rossoneri took the lead in the 23rd minute when Stephan El Shaarawy's cross was met by Menez, who steered the ball home with a first-time volley from 12 yards.