In a thrilling encounter that could determine the fate of both teams this season, Inter Milan and AC Milan faced off in the return leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on April 23, 2025. After a tense first leg that ended in a 1-1 draw, both teams were eager to secure a spot in the final, with Inter looking to bounce back from a recent defeat against Bologna and Milan hoping to salvage their season through a cup victory.
Inter Milan, under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, made some strategic adjustments to their lineup. Known for their resilience, the Nerazzurri aimed to put pressure on their city rivals while also managing their squad's fatigue due to a congested fixture list. The starting eleven featured goalkeeper Alex Martinez, with Stefan de Vrij anchoring the defense alongside Bisseck and Bastoni. In midfield, Nicolò Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Asllani provided a blend of creativity and tenacity. The wing-backs, Matteo Darmian and Federico Dimarco, were tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the attack. Up front, Lautaro Martinez was joined by new signing Taremi, who was preferred over Correa and Arnatovic for this crucial match.
On the other side, AC Milan, led by coach Sergio Conceicao, opted for a 3-4-3 formation, seeking to capitalize on their attacking prowess. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan was set to protect the net, flanked by defenders Gabbia, Tomori, and Pavlovic. The midfield featured the dynamic duo of Fofana and Reijnders, who were expected to control the tempo and provide service to the forwards. The attacking trio included Christian Pulisic, Abraham, and Rafael Leao, all of whom were looking to exploit any defensive lapses from Inter. Notably, Gimenez started on the bench, while the team aimed to maintain their focus on securing a place in the Europa League through the Coppa Italia.
As the match kicked off, the atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides filling the stadium, creating a vibrant backdrop for this fierce rivalry. Inter's recent struggles against Bologna had raised questions about their form, but they were determined to turn things around in front of their home crowd. Meanwhile, Milan's hopes rested on the shoulders of their attacking players, who needed to find the net to keep their European dreams alive.
Throughout the first half, both teams had their moments, with Inter enjoying slightly more possession. The Nerazzurri's midfielders worked tirelessly to break down Milan's defense, while the Rossoneri focused on quick counter-attacks. However, neither side could find the breakthrough, leading to a tense stalemate as the halftime whistle blew.
During the halftime break, Inzaghi urged his players to maintain their intensity and capitalize on any mistakes from Milan. The message was clear: this match was not just about pride; it was about securing a place in the final and keeping their season alive. Conceicao, on the other hand, emphasized the need for his players to remain disciplined and take advantage of their chances.
As the second half commenced, Inter came out with renewed vigor. Mkhitaryan and Barella combined well, creating space for Lautaro and Taremi to exploit. The pressure began to mount on Milan's defense, with Maignan forced into action to keep the scores level. The Rossoneri, however, remained dangerous on the break, with Pulisic and Leao looking to stretch the Inter backline.
In the 65th minute, a pivotal moment occurred when Inter's Lautaro Martinez found himself in a one-on-one situation with Maignan. The crowd held its breath as Martinez aimed for the bottom corner, but the Milan keeper made a stunning save, keeping the game scoreless. This save not only boosted Milan's confidence but also served as a reminder of the stakes involved.
As the match progressed, both coaches made tactical substitutions. Inzaghi brought on fresh legs to maintain the momentum, while Conceicao introduced more attacking options to break the deadlock. The tension in the stadium was palpable, with fans on the edge of their seats, knowing that one goal could change everything.
With just ten minutes left on the clock, Inter finally found the breakthrough they desperately sought. A well-executed corner kick taken by Mkhitaryan was met by the towering Bastoni, who headed the ball past Maignan, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The goal not only gave Inter the lead but also put them in a strong position to advance to the final.
However, Milan was not ready to concede defeat. With time running out, they pushed forward in search of an equalizer. The Rossoneri's attacking trio began to combine effectively, creating several chances that tested the Inter defense. A late surge saw Abraham come close to leveling the score, but Martinez was equal to the task, making a crucial save to preserve Inter's lead.
As the final whistle blew, Inter celebrated their hard-fought victory, knowing they had secured a place in the Coppa Italia final. The win not only provided a much-needed boost following their recent defeat but also served as a reminder of their potential as they aim for silverware this season. For Milan, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, as their hopes of European football now hinge on their league performance.
Moving forward, both teams will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures. Inter will look to build on this momentum, while Milan must find a way to salvage their season in the league. The rivalry continues, but for now, it was Inter who emerged victorious in this thrilling encounter.
