Maignan’s mind game behind Calhanoglu’s penalty miss

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

Maignan. Un muro. Fine. 🥵#InterMilan pic.twitter.com/IoSywut7UI

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) November 24, 2025

“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’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.