The highly anticipated Coppa Italia semi-final clash between Inter and Milan is set to unfold tonight at the iconic San Siro, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00. Following a thrilling first leg that ended in a 1-1 draw, the stakes couldn't be higher as both teams vie for a spot in the final, which will take place on May 14 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
In the first leg, Tammy Abraham opened the scoring for Milan, but Hakan Calhanoglu equalized for Inter, leaving the tie finely balanced. The match tonight promises to be a battle of tactical prowess and sheer determination, as both teams come into the game with contrasting recent performances in Serie A.
Inter, managed by Simone Inzaghi, is looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat against Bologna, which allowed Napoli to level with them at the top of the league standings. Meanwhile, Milan, under the guidance of Sérgio Conceição, also suffered a setback, losing to Atalanta in their last league outing. For both teams, the Coppa Italia represents a crucial opportunity to salvage their seasons and secure European football for the next year.
As the teams prepare for this decisive encounter, here’s a look at the probable line-ups. Inter is expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, featuring Josep Martinez in goal, with a defensive trio of Bisseck, De Vrij, and Bastoni. The midfield will see Darmian, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, and Dimarco, while Lautaro Martinez will partner with Taremi up front. Inzaghi is set to make several changes from the previous match, notably starting Asllani in the playmaker role, replacing the suspended Calhanoglu.
On the other hand, Milan is likely to adopt a 3-4-3 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal, supported by Tomori, Gabbia, and Thiaw in defense. The midfield will comprise Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, and Theo Hernandez, while the attacking trio will feature Pulisic, Abraham, and Leao. Conceição has welcomed back key players Kyle Walker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who are expected to be available from the bench.
The match is expected to be played in front of a near-capacity crowd at San Siro, with only a handful of tickets remaining. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as fans of both sides hope to see their teams progress to the final.
With the rivalry between Inter and Milan reaching fever pitch, both teams will be keen to avoid any slip-ups. Inter has been formidable at home, winning their last nine matches across all competitions at the Meazza. However, Milan remains unbeaten in their four encounters with Inter this season, including a league victory and a Supercoppa triumph.
Tonight's match also carries additional tension as both teams have players at risk of suspension. Inter's Denzel Dumfries, who is currently injured, and Milan's Filippo Terracciano are the only players on the brink of missing the final if they receive a yellow card.
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout will decide who advances to the final. This adds an extra layer of excitement and pressure for both teams as they battle for glory.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes derby. Will Inter finally secure a victory in this season's derby encounters, or will Milan continue their unbeaten streak? With so much on the line, this match promises to deliver all the drama and intensity that a Coppa Italia semi-final demands.
Inzaghi's side is determined to keep their dreams of a treble alive, while Milan sees the Coppa Italia as their last chance to salvage a disappointing season. With everything to play for, expect fireworks as these two giants of Italian football clash once more on the grand stage of San Siro.
Fans can catch the action live on Canale 5, with streaming options available on Mediaset Infinity and Sportmediaset. Commentary will be provided by the experienced duo of Riccardo Trevisani and Roberto Cravero, ensuring viewers won’t miss a moment of the excitement.
