Maignan’s mind game behind Calhanoglu’s penalty miss | OneFootball

Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan positioned himself slightly off-centre before Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty, enticing the Inter star to aim to his left.

Milan goalkeeper Maignan somehow tricked Inter ace Calhanoglu, managing to save a penalty kick from the Turkey international.

TV footage shows the French keeper standing slightly off-centre before Calhanoglu took the spot kick, which tempted the Inter star to aim to his left.

Maignan’s trick to save Calhanoglu’s penalty

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Mike Maignan of AC Milan saves a penalty kick Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Maignan’s mind game worked out as the Milan star eventually denied Calhanoglu, saving his second consecutive penalty kick.

“Even though he’s only slightly off-centre in the goal, visually the right side of Maignan looks much wider and it tempts you to shoot there,” ex-Lazio goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani told Sky Sport.

“Then, he also made a small feint, moved back almost to the centre and made a great save.”

Maignan had already saved a penalty kick from Paulo Dybala on November 2, contributing to another 1-0 win at San Siro.

Milan just one point below top spot

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan’s victory over their city rivals allowed the Rossoneri to join Napoli in second place in the Serie A table, just one point below the Giallorossi.

Milan’s next game is against Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio on Saturday, November 29, while Inter will play away at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this coming Wednesday.