The highly anticipated Coppa Italia semi-final first leg between Milan and Inter ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 2, 2025. The match showcased the fierce rivalry between the two Milanese clubs, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and resilience.
It was a tense affair that began slowly, with both sides feeling each other out in the first half. The first notable chance came in the 9th minute when Inter's Joaquín Correa unleashed a shot from the edge of the area, only for Milan's goalkeeper Mike Maignan to make a two-handed save. The Inter players continued to press, with a header from Stefan de Vrij in the 21st minute that was cleared off the line by Milan's Tammy Abraham, who was proving to be a defensive asset as well as an attacker.
While Inter looked to capitalize on their chances, Milan began to find their rhythm. Rafael Leão was a constant threat down the left flank, and in the 26th minute, he managed to get a shot off that was expertly saved by Inter's goalkeeper, André Onana. The first half concluded with both teams locked at 0-0, leaving fans eager for the second half.
The second half kicked off with a bang just two minutes in. Milan took the lead when Abraham, who had been a focal point of their attack, scored from a well-placed diagonal shot after a clever setup from Youssouf Fofana. The stadium erupted with cheers as the rossoneri fans celebrated the 1-0 advantage.
However, Inter quickly responded. Just five minutes later, Nicolo Barella tested Maignan with a curling effort, but the Milan keeper was up to the task once again. The pressure from Inter intensified, and in the 67th minute, they found their equalizer through former Milan player Hakan Calhanoglu. His powerful shot from outside the box took a crucial deflection off Reijnders, leaving Maignan with no chance to react. The match was now tied at 1-1.
As the game progressed, both teams had opportunities to secure a win. Milan's Leão continued to threaten, coming close with a shot that went just wide in the 41st minute. Inter's Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nicola Zalewski both had attempts thwarted by the ever-reliable Maignan, who was undoubtedly the standout performer for Milan, making a series of crucial saves.
The match featured several yellow cards, with Theo Hernández, Yann Bisseck, and Tijjani Reijnders being cautioned for fouls, while Francesco Acerbi received a booking for improper behavior from the bench. The physicality of the match was evident as both teams fought hard for every inch on the pitch.
Despite the draw, the outcome leaves everything to play for in the return leg scheduled for April 23, 2025. Both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the Coppa Italia final, and with the stakes this high, fans can expect another thrilling encounter.
In the aftermath, Milan's coach Sérgio Conceição expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We showed great character and resilience against a strong opponent. We have a lot to build on for the next match." Meanwhile, Inter's coach Simone Inzaghi acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, "We need to be more clinical in front of goal and tighten up defensively. We have another chance to make it right in the second leg."
The attendance for this thrilling derby was reported at 67,595, a testament to the passion and loyalty of the fans who filled the stadium to witness this historic rivalry. Both teams will now turn their attention to their next fixtures, with Inter facing Parma in Serie A and preparing for a crucial Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
As the players and coaching staff look ahead to the return leg, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Milan and Inter is far from over. With both teams eager to claim victory and secure their place in the final, fans are in for an unforgettable showdown in just a few weeks. Will Milan capitalize on their home advantage, or will Inter rise to the occasion and advance to the final? Only time will tell.
