In a disappointing turn of events, Inter Milan faced a crushing 3-0 defeat against their arch-rivals AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final, effectively ending their hopes for a treble this season. The loss, which took place on Wednesday night, saw Luka Jovic score twice and Tijjani Reijnders add another to send the Nerazzurri packing from the competition.
Following the match, Inter's head coach Simone Inzaghi addressed the media, reflecting on the team's performance and the implications of the defeat. "We must handle the season finale with analysis and trust. We’re sorry to have lost in front of our fans, but that’s football," Inzaghi stated, acknowledging the disappointment felt by both players and supporters alike.
Inzaghi emphasized that the first half of the match was the best Inter had played in any derby this season, but lamented that they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. "We shouldn’t have gone into halftime trailing, but we needed to do better in both boxes. Credit to them, yet the 2-0 goal was a bit lucky," he noted, referring to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the second goal, which came after a handball by Nicolò Barella.
Despite the setback, Inzaghi remained focused on the future, particularly the upcoming Serie A clash against AS Roma on April 27, 2025. The match is crucial for Inter as they look to maintain their position in the league. However, the coach is facing a fitness crisis with key players Piotr Zielinski, Denzel Dumfries, and Marcus Thuram sidelined due to injuries. When asked about their potential return, Inzaghi replied, "There are no certainties. Every match now is like a World Cup final. There’s hope for Sunday, but no guarantees yet. We’ll see in the coming days."
Inzaghi’s comments reflect the urgency of the situation as Inter aims to bounce back from this defeat and regain momentum in the league. The coach has made it clear that he does not want to use injuries as an excuse, stating, "We’re not focusing on that—we’re not hiding behind excuses or fatigue. Of course, I’d love to have Thuram, Dumfries, and Zielinski available, but we know they’re not." He also pointed out the challenges faced due to the absence of key players in recent derbies, saying, "In the last three derbies, we’ve not had Thuram and Lautaro together; it’s normal to have absences. Everyone is working to come back, but we’re not dwelling on excuses."
The defeat against AC Milan not only knocked Inter out of the Coppa Italia but also raised questions about their form as they head into the final stretch of the season. Inzaghi acknowledged that the team needs to focus on improving their performance, particularly in critical moments of the match. "The first goal we conceded is unacceptable. The second was fortunate. We tried to get back into it, albeit in a disorganized and unfocused way," he explained.
As the team prepares for the crucial match against Roma, the pressure is mounting on Inzaghi and his players. The stakes are high, and the coach is determined to ensure that his squad is mentally and physically ready for the challenge ahead. "We have this month ahead of us, but we must have confidence. The club is with us, and we need to recover. With Roma, we will play our match," Inzaghi stated, expressing his belief in the team's resilience.
Inzaghi's commitment to the team and his refusal to make excuses highlight the mentality that he hopes to instill in his players as they navigate this challenging period. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the coach remains optimistic about the potential for recovery and success in the remaining fixtures of the season.
As Inter fans look forward to the upcoming clash with Roma, the hope is that the team can regroup and channel the disappointment from the Coppa Italia loss into a renewed sense of purpose. With the Serie A title still within reach, every match will be treated with the utmost seriousness. Inzaghi's assertion that every game is akin to a World Cup final underscores the importance of each point as the season draws to a close.
In conclusion, while the defeat against AC Milan was a bitter pill to swallow, it serves as a crucial learning experience for Inter Milan. The focus now shifts to the Serie A campaign, where they must reclaim their form and secure vital points to keep their title aspirations alive. The upcoming match against Roma will be a true test of character for Inzaghi's side, and fans will be hoping for a strong response from their team in the face of adversity.
