Inter Milan has solidified its place in the semifinals of the Coppa Italia following a decisive 2-0 victory over Lazio, held at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 19, 2024. The win not only marked Inter's recovery from recent struggles but set the stage for another riveting ‘Milano Derby’ against AC Milan.
The match demonstrated Inter's resilience and hunger for victory, especially as they look to make their mark after facing difficulties previously. Only recently, the team had been below par, suffering disappointing results in Serie A. After accumulating just three points from their last three league matches, they have bounced back, regaining the top position by defeating Genoa just prior to this cup victory.
The opening goal came shortly before halftime, courtesy of Marko Arnautovic, who netted spectacularly with a volley after receiving the ball following a corner kick. According to TN, "Marko Arnautovic made the first goal of the match at 41 minutes of the first half," sending the home crowd at the Giuseppe Meazza erupting with joy. This goal was pivotal, as it shifted momentum firmly in Inter's favor.
On the other hand, Lazio began the match with promising intent, aiming to capitalize on their recent form which had seen them defeat Napoli convincingly. Early on, they almost snagged the lead with Isaksen's close attempt but were thwarted by Inter’s goalkeeper Martinez.
The second half came with heightened expectations from Lazio who aggressively sought to equalize. Despite their efforts, the match took another turn when Inter was awarded a penalty after Correa was fouled within the box by Gigot. This decision came as a result of VAR review, demonstrating the increasing reliance on technology for accurate officiation. Reporting from Diario AS states, "Gigot fouled Correa inside the area, resulting in the penalty awarded."
Hakan Çalhanoglu stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake, sending the ball past Lazio's goalkeeper to secure the match at 2-0. TN reported, "Hakan Çalhanoglu converted the penalty at the 31-minute mark of the second half," sealing Lazio's fate and putting Inter firmly on course for the semifinal.
The lack of clarity over officiation was met with concern by Lazio coach, especially after their efforts to break through Inter’s defense fell flat. Trying to change the tide of the game, Lazio's tactical setup was heavily contrasted by Inter’s rotations, as coach Simone Inzaghi opted to leave key players resting on the bench, only to bring them on as needed, showing his strategic depth.
For Inter, this win is not just over Lazio; it sets up the thrilling prospect of facing their city rivals, AC Milan, again this season—this will be the fifth meeting between the two. So far, Inter and Milan have already played three times this season across various competitions: two Serie A matches and one Supercoppa Italiana, which Milan won. The upcoming battles are sure to intensify the rivalry and capture the attention of fans.
Analytical reviews of match statistics suggest Inter's dominating performance, statistically securing 100% possession and zero fouls committed during the match—an impressive feat showcasing their control and discipline on the pitch. This match was about more than just progressing to the next round; it was about building momentum for Inter as they enter the crux of the football season.
Looking ahead, Inter will meet with the AC Milan side who has proven tough opposition throughout the current season. Fans expect high sharpness and tension as these two contenders take center stage once again. With their current resurgence, Inter is poised to make significant impacts, re-establishing their dominance within Italian football.
This victory over Lazio marks not only progress but serves as affirmation of Inter's aspirations for cup success as they advance toward the latter stages of the tournament with renewed vigor.