Inter and Milan faced off in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on April 2, 2025, with the match ending in a tense 1-1 draw at the iconic San Siro. Both teams displayed their competitive spirit in what was a thrilling derby, but it was Inter's coach, Simone Inzaghi, who left the pitch feeling optimistic despite the result.
Inzaghi expressed pride in his team's performance, noting that they had only 14 outfield players available for the match. "The boys were brilliant tonight," he remarked. "We could have taken the lead with chances from De Vrij and Frattesi, but after they scored, we responded well in the second half. It was a true derby, and we showed great character against a strong team."
Milan struck first with a goal from Abraham, but Inter equalized through a stunning long-range effort from Calhanoglu. Inzaghi acknowledged that the match could have swung in Inter's favor earlier, but he remained upbeat about the overall performance. "We created several opportunities against a team that has a powerful engine and excellent players," he commented. "We could have done better on their goal, which came from a significant rebound, but we didn’t lose our composure and played a great second half with chances from Zalewski and Mkhitaryan."
Looking ahead, Inzaghi is hopeful about the return leg scheduled for April 23, 2025. He emphasized the importance of having a full squad available, particularly with players like Lautaro Martinez, who is recovering from injury, and the fatigue issues faced by Dimarco and Arnautovic, who were not risked in this match. "We hope to have more options for the return leg in 20 days," Inzaghi said. "We have worked hard to reach this point in the competition, and our commitment has been commendable. My dream as a coach is to have all my players available, and I look forward to welcoming back those who are currently sidelined."
Inzaghi also praised the partnership between Correa and Thuram, who have shown great chemistry on the pitch. "They performed well together against Verona and complemented each other nicely. Correa has made significant sacrifices, and they both understood the need to manage their energy since we had no attacking substitutes available," he explained. "Their performance was a testament to their dedication and understanding of the game."
As the dust settles on the first leg, both teams will have the opportunity to regroup and strategize for the decisive return match. Inzaghi's confidence in his players and their fighting spirit will be crucial as they prepare to face a determined Milan side once again. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is building for what promises to be another exciting chapter in this storied rivalry.
The Coppa Italia semi-final has not only showcased the talent on both sides but also highlighted the challenges teams face as they navigate through the season. With injuries and fatigue playing a role, the depth of each squad will be tested in the coming weeks. The return leg will undoubtedly be a battle for supremacy as both teams vie for a spot in the final against either Bologna or Empoli.
Inzaghi's reflections on the match and the road ahead reveal a coach who remains focused on the task at hand, instilling a sense of belief in his players. "We arrived at this point with immense pride, having played every match with great commitment," he said. "Now we must continue to push forward and aim for victory in the next leg."
As the Inter squad prepares to travel to Parma in 48 hours, the focus will shift to recovering and strategizing for their next encounters. The road to the Coppa Italia final is still open, and with Inzaghi at the helm, Inter will look to harness their potential and take the next step in their pursuit of silverware.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the return match, where they hope to see their team rise to the occasion and secure a place in the final. With the rivalry heating up and both teams eager to prove their worth, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could define their seasons.
In conclusion, the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final has left both teams with plenty to ponder as they prepare for the decisive match. Inzaghi's leadership and the resilience of his players will be tested as they aim to turn the tide in their favor. The excitement is palpable, and the football world will be watching closely as Inter and Milan battle it out once more.
