AC Milan has made a stunning return to form, sealing their place in the Coppa Italia final with a commanding 3-0 victory over city rivals Inter Milan in the semi-final second leg on April 23, 2025. This emphatic win at San Siro not only secured a 4-1 aggregate triumph but also marked a significant moment in a season that has been challenging for the Rossoneri.
Luka Jovic was the standout performer, netting two goals that propelled his team to victory, while Tijjani Reijnders added a third late in the match. The Serbian forward's brace doubled his tally for the season and provided a much-needed boost for Milan fans who have endured a difficult campaign.
In a match that saw both teams create chances, it was Jovic who broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Meeting a precise cross from Alex Jimenez, he powered a header past Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez. Prior to that, Inter had their opportunities, with Federico Dimarco hitting the crossbar and Lautaro Martinez missing a golden chance to score.
Jovic struck again just three minutes into the second half, capitalizing on Inter's failure to clear a corner taken by Theo Hernandez. His close-range finish sent the Milan crowd into a frenzy and prompted Inter coach Simone Inzaghi to make four substitutions in an attempt to turn the tide. However, Milan's defense held firm, and Reijnders capped off the evening with a goal in the 85th minute, assisted by Rafael Leao, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Rossoneri.
This win not only eliminated Inter from the tournament but also put an end to their hopes of repeating the historic treble they achieved under Jose Mourinho in 2010. For AC Milan, this victory is a testament to their resilience, having avoided defeat in their last five encounters against their city rivals across all competitions.
The Rossoneri will now look forward to the final, where they are set to face Bologna, who currently lead Empoli 3-0 ahead of their own semi-final second leg. This will be Milan's first appearance in the Coppa Italia final since 2018, and they aim to claim the trophy for only the third time in the last 50 years, with their last victory coming in 2003.
In terms of player performances, the ratings reflected the contributions of the team. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan received a score of 7 for his crucial saves, including a fantastic low reflex stop on a header from Stefan de Vrij. Defender Fikayo Tomori earned a 7 for his solid performance, which included a key pass leading to Milan's third goal. Meanwhile, Jimenez's efforts were recognized with a rating of 7.5, thanks to his assist for Jovic's opener and his overall impact on the game.
Despite some struggles, particularly in the first half, players like Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao showed improvement after the break, contributing to the team's attacking play. Pulisic, who received a rating of 6, managed to find space and become more involved in the second half, while Leao's assist for Reijnders highlighted his ability to make crucial contributions.
On the other hand, Inter's performance was disappointing, as they failed to convert their chances into goals. Their elimination is a significant setback, especially as they sit ninth in Serie A and are likely to miss out on Champions League football next season. With a packed schedule ahead, including a crucial league match against Roma and a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, Inzaghi's side must regroup quickly to salvage their season.
As for AC Milan, this victory serves as a much-needed boost and a reminder of their potential. After a series of struggles, the Rossoneri are back in contention for silverware and will look to build on this momentum as they approach the final. Fans will be hoping that this performance is a sign of better things to come for their beloved club.
With the final set to take place next month in Rome, anticipation is already building among supporters. Will AC Milan be able to lift the Coppa Italia trophy once again? Only time will tell, but for now, the Rossoneri can bask in the glory of a well-deserved victory over their arch-rivals.
