Inter Milan secured their spot in the semifinals of the Coppa Italia with a solid 2-0 victory against Lazio at San Siro on February 25, 2025. The match showcased Inter's tactical prowess and individual brilliance, particularly from Marko Arnautovic, who opened the scoring, and Hakan Calhanoglu, who sealed the win with a late penalty.
The contest began with both teams testing the waters. Lazio started strong, with Gustav Isaksen creating early opportunities. He forced Inter’s goalkeeper, Josep Martinez, to make some fine saves, displaying the young Danish forward's capabilities. It was evident from the onset, though, the stakes were high for both teams as they aimed to advance one step closer to silverware.
Inter's midfield began ramping up pressure as the first half progressed, culminating in Arnautovic’s stunning strike just before halftime. Receiving the ball outside the area, he orchestrated move after move, finally lashing out with a spectacular left-footed volley. His effort left Lazio’s goalkeeper, Christos Mandas, stranded as the ball soared past him, putting Inter ahead 1-0.
Following the break, the match's pace and intensity grew as Lazio sought to equalize. Their efforts were met with resistance from Inter's defense, which held strong under pressure. Despite persistent attempts, including another shot from Isaksen, Lazio struggled to find the back of the net. Coach Marco Baroni expressed disappointment post-match, acknowledging his team's endeavor but lamenting their inability to convert opportunities.
Inter, under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, remained composed and capitalized on their chances. The pivotal moment came when Joaquin Correa was brought down inside the box by Samuel Gigot, resulting in a penalty awarded to the Nerazzurri. Calhanoglu, cool under pressure, stepped up and converted the spot-kick, extending Inter's lead to 2-0 and effectively closing the contest.
Post-match, both coaches provided insights. Coach Baroni noted, "We played well but couldn’t capitalize on our chances, which is frustrating at this level." Meanwhile, Coach Simone praised his players, particularly Arnautovic, stating, "The Inter players were exceptional, especially Arnautovic who scored a beautiful goal. Our aim is to stay competitive across all competitions, and this win was important for our momentum."
This victory not only propels Inter Milan to the semifinals but also marks their resilience as they remain the only Italian side competing on three fronts — Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League — showcasing their ambitions this season. Looking forward, they are set to face off against their city rivals, AC Milan, adding yet another layer of tension and competition to this esteemed rivalry.
With their defensive stability and attacking flair, Inter seems poised for continued success. Fans can only hope for more moments of brilliance like Arnautovic’s stunning goal as the team gears up for the challenges to come.