As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated clash between AC Milan and Inter Milan, fans are buzzing with excitement for the first leg of the Italian Cup semi-final. Scheduled for April 2, 2025, at 22:00 Moscow time, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan. With both teams having a storied rivalry, the stakes couldn't be higher for the Rossoneri, who are looking to salvage their season through this prestigious tournament.
Currently, AC Milan finds itself in a precarious position, sitting in tenth place in the Serie A standings. The team has struggled significantly this season, managing to win only two of their last six matches, leading to a sense of urgency as they prepare for this crucial derby. Their recent form has been disappointing, culminating in a 2-1 loss to Napoli in their last outing, where they fell behind 2-0 by the 17th minute. Coach Sergio Conceição has faced mounting pressure, as injuries to key players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson have further complicated matters.
In contrast, Inter Milan is soaring high, riding a wave of success with five consecutive victories and currently leading Serie A by three points. The Nerazzurri have been formidable, winning seven out of their last eight matches in all competitions. However, they will be without coach Simone Inzaghi, who received a red card during their last match against Udinese, although this suspension does not apply to the Cup match.
As the teams prepare to face off, the odds provided by Marathonbet reflect the current dynamics: Milan is at 3.50 to win, a draw stands at 3.46, while Inter is favored at 2.15. The odds for winning the entire Italian Cup see Inter as the favorite at 1.74, followed by Bologna at 4.05, Milan at 4.45, and Empoli at 13.75. This highlights the uphill battle Milan faces as they aim to reclaim their status among Italy's elite.
The upcoming match is particularly significant for Milan, as it represents their last realistic chance for silverware this season. With the Champions League and Serie A both slipping away, the Italian Cup is their lifeline. Conceição is expected to field his strongest lineup, having rested key players in the previous Serie A match, demonstrating the importance of this fixture.
Historically, Milan has had its fair share of success against Inter, going unbeaten in their last three encounters, with two wins and a draw. However, the last five meetings have shown a mix of results, including a 1-1 draw in their most recent Serie A clash on February 2, 2025. As both teams gear up for this semi-final, the anticipation is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Statistically, both teams have shown a propensity for scoring, with Inter netting two or more goals in five of their last matches. Furthermore, both teams have scored in seven of Milan's last matches and five of their most recent head-to-head encounters. This trend suggests that fans can expect an action-packed match, with chances at both ends of the pitch.
In terms of injuries and suspensions, Milan will be missing Emerson and Loftus-Cheek, while Inter's Aslani is suspended, and Taremi, Dumfries, and Zielinski are nursing injuries. These absences could have a significant impact on the tactical setups of both teams. The anticipated lineups see Milan potentially featuring Mike Maignan in goal, with a defensive line including Theo Hernandez, Pavlovich, and Gabia, while Inter is expected to field Lautaro Martinez, Pavard, and De Vrij among others.
As the match approaches, the betting landscape is also heating up. Bookmakers are offering enticing odds on various outcomes, including a combined bet on both teams to score and Milan not to lose, sitting at 2.60. With the stakes this high, both teams will be looking to assert dominance early on, making for a thrilling spectacle.
In the lead-up to the match, analysts have noted that Milan's motivation could play a crucial role. They are desperate to avoid another season without silverware and will likely come out firing. Conversely, Inter, despite their current form, may opt for a more cautious approach, balancing their focus on the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern.
This semi-final clash is not just about the Cup; it's about pride, rivalry, and the chance to reclaim glory. With both teams having something significant to prove, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at San Siro. Will Milan's determination to turn their season around be enough to overcome the formidable Inter? Or will the Nerazzurri continue their march towards another title? The answer awaits as the two Milanese giants prepare to battle it out on the pitch.
