USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah unable to make most of Stefano Pioli's tactical gamble as AC Milan hand Scudetto to Inter

Milan had no one but themselves to blame for the loss as the Rosonerri were exposed defensively by their crosstown rivals, who solidified the Scudetto with Monday's win.

Inter's first goal was entirely due to terrible set-piece defending as Milan were punished early. Just 18 minutes into the match, Milan lost track of Inter's Francesco Acerbi in the box. The defender was left with a free header, and he made no mistake as he placed his shot past a helpless Mike Maignan.

Milan conceded again just four minutes into the second half, ending all hopes of a comeback just a few moments after emerging from the halftime break. Marcus Thuram was the goalscorer, with his goal essentially killing off any chance of Milan getting back into the match.

They did fight back as Fikayo Tomori did get a goal back in the 80th minute, but it ended up being a consolation as Milan fell 2-1. They didn't go down without a fight, though, as late clashes saw Theo Hernandez, Denzel Dumfries and Davide Calabria all sent off before the final whistle.

With the win, Inter claimed the Serie A title, earning the Scudetto for the second time in four years. The victory gave them a 17-point lead over second-place Milan and, with just five matches left to play, the Rosonerri are mathematically unable to challenge their local rivals.

This title will be particularly sweet for Inter considering the fact that it came at the expense of a rival. It also ensures that Milan go trophyless this season, having already been bounced from the Champions League, Europa League and Coppa Italia.

Reports out of Italy indicate that manager Stefano Pioli will pay for this season's failures with his job. Before that, though, Milan will have to finish off the campaign as they look to hold on to second place in the season's final weeks.

Pioli relied on both of the USMNT stars he had at his disposal, although he did shift things tactically at the start. Pioli opted to use Rafael Leao as a No. 9, moving Pulisic to the left wing while inserting Musah as a right winger rather than a central midfielder.

Pulisic was kept rather quiet from that left-sided spot, making it the second consecutive match where he failed to impress. He mustered just one shot and was unable to really influence the game.

Musah, meanwhile, returned to a wing spot that he played so much of at Valencia. The USMNT midfielder was more influential than his international teammate, creating a few chances that Milan just couldn't make anything of.

Overall, though, it was a difficult day for all involved as Milan could not prevent Inter's tidal wave en route to a Scudetto.

Christian Pulisic (6/10):

Just didn't get enough of the ball. Part of that is down to tactics, but Pulisic wasn't really able to influence the game in the moments where he did get opportunities.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

Was miscast as a winger, but he did his best. Starting him over, say, Samuel Chukwueze was an interesting choice, but you can't fault Musah's effort as he did have a few good moments going forward.

Milan will now head into the final five matches of their Serie A season knowing that the title is now out of reach. Up next, though, is a crucial match for both the club and its USMNT stars as Pulisic, Musah and Milan visit Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Juventus on Saturday.