The excitement surrounding Italian football reached a fever pitch on April 2, 2025, as AC Milan faced off against their city rivals, Inter de Milan, in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals. The match, held at the iconic San Siro stadium, ended in a tense 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a thrilling return leg on April 23.
Both teams entered the match with contrasting aspirations. Milan, currently struggling in ninth place in Serie A, saw this cup competition as their last chance to secure European football for next season. In stark contrast, Inter was riding high at the top of the league table, seeking to maintain their hopes of a treble, having already secured a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, eager to witness the latest chapter of the storied "Derby della Madonnina." Milan had previously triumphed over Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana earlier this year, pulling off a remarkable comeback to win 3-2, and they were keen to carry that momentum into this crucial cup tie.
The match kicked off at 13:00 local time, and it was Inter who initially took control, pressing forward with intensity. However, it was Milan who struck first. In the 47th minute, Tammy Abraham found the back of the net with a powerful cross-shot that caught the Inter defense off guard, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Despite going behind, Inter remained resilient and continued to push for an equalizer. Their efforts bore fruit in the 66th minute when Hakan Çalhanoğlu unleashed a stunning shot from outside the box, beating Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to level the score. Çalhanoğlu's goal was a testament to Inter's determination and skill, showcasing their ability to respond under pressure.
Milan's goalkeeper, Maignan, was a standout performer throughout the match, making several crucial saves, especially in the first half when he denied Inter multiple scoring opportunities. His heroics kept Milan in the game, and he was instrumental in maintaining the scoreline as both teams exchanged chances in the dying minutes.
As the match progressed, the tension escalated, with both sides making strategic substitutions. Milan brought on Joao Felix and Santiago Giménez, who became the first Mexican to play in the Derby della Madonnina, hoping to spark a late-game revival. Meanwhile, Inter countered with their own changes, introducing Pavard and Mkhitaryan to bolster their midfield.
Throughout the match, the intensity was palpable, with players from both teams receiving yellow cards. Theo Hernández and Yann Bisseck were cautioned for their aggressive play, reflecting the high stakes of this derby. The rivalry was evident as players clashed both physically and emotionally, each determined to secure bragging rights for their side.
Despite the draw, both teams left the pitch knowing they had set the stage for an exhilarating return leg. Milan, with their sights set on redemption after a disappointing league campaign, will need to find their form to overcome Inter in the second leg. The Rossoneri have not lifted the Coppa Italia trophy since 2003, and the pressure is on to change that narrative.
Inter, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their strong league form as they aim to advance to the final and potentially secure a treble this season. With their league title aspirations intact, they will approach the return leg with confidence, knowing they can rely on their depth and experience.
The next encounter promises to be just as thrilling, with both teams eager to secure their place in the Coppa Italia final. As fans eagerly await the rematch, the excitement of the Derby della Madonnina continues to resonate, highlighting the passion and intensity that defines Italian football.
In conclusion, the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals between AC Milan and Inter ended in a 1-1 stalemate, setting up an intriguing second leg. With both teams having their respective goals, the upcoming match on April 23 is sure to be a spectacle, as they vie for a coveted spot in the final of this prestigious tournament.
