In a thrilling Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, AC Milan and Inter Milan battled to a 1-1 draw at the iconic San Siro on April 2, 2025. Both teams showcased their skills in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, setting the stage for an exciting return leg later this month.
The encounter began with a somewhat subdued first half, where neither side could find their rhythm. However, the intensity picked up dramatically after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Tammy Abraham put Milan ahead with a stunning goal, showcasing his striking prowess. He deftly maneuvered past defender Yann Bisseck before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net, sending the Rossoneri supporters into a frenzy.
But the lead was short-lived. Hakan Calhanoglu, a former Milan player, leveled the score for Inter in the 67th minute with a spectacular strike from distance, which slipped under the gloves of Milan's goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The equalizer was a reminder of Calhanoglu's ability to change the game, and it left the tie finely poised going into the second leg on April 23.
Despite the draw, Milan remains optimistic. Abraham, who celebrated his second goal in the Derby della Madonnina, expressed his satisfaction after the match. "I am very happy with the goal, for me and for the team. It’s a very important goal for us," he told Sport Mediaset. He emphasized the need for the team to maintain a positive mindset, stating, "Of course, we believe, as a striker I think you always have to stay alive, stay focused, wait for the opportunities. I was in the right place at the right time today, I am very happy I was there to score the goal."
The match was not without its tense moments. Maignan made a crucial save just before halftime, denying Davide Frattesi’s close-range header, which could have put Inter ahead. His performance, along with the rest of the defense, was vital in keeping Milan in the contest, especially after their disappointing 2-1 loss to Napoli just days earlier, a result that has cast doubt on their Serie A top-four ambitions.
Player ratings reflected the intensity of the match. Maignan earned a solid 7 for his pivotal saves, while Abraham also received a 7 for his game-changing goal. Other notable performances included Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders, both rated at 7, showing their importance in midfield. However, Alejandro Jimenez struggled significantly and was rated just 4.5, highlighting the need for improvement in future matches.
Looking ahead, Milan's head coach Sergio Conceicao praised his team's resilience. "We are a very strong team; every match is a final. I think we played very well, with confidence, courage, passion. This way, we can win every game," he stated. Yet, he acknowledged the challenges this season has presented, urging his players to find consistency in their performances.
Abraham's comments about the team's mentality echoed this sentiment. "It’s been a very difficult season, but we must gain confidence and from now every game must have this attitude," he said. The striker's words resonate with the team's goal to turn their fortunes around and push for silverware in the remaining competitions.
As the Coppa Italia semi-final tie remains delicately balanced, both teams will have everything to play for in the return leg. With the prospect of facing Bologna, who recently triumphed over Empoli 3-0 in their semi-final, the stakes couldn't be higher. Milan's players know that they must bring their best to the pitch to secure a place in the final.
With the return leg looming, the excitement surrounding this fierce rivalry continues to build. Fans are left wondering which team will seize the moment and advance to the Coppa Italia final. Will Milan's determination and skill shine through, or will Inter's experience and tactical prowess prevail? Only time will tell as the two giants prepare for another chapter in this storied rivalry.
In conclusion, the 1-1 draw leaves the semi-final tie wide open, and both teams will be looking to capitalize on any weaknesses in the second leg. Milan's players, especially Abraham, remain hopeful and focused on their goal of winning trophies, embodying the spirit of a club that has a rich history of success. The countdown to the next clash has already begun, and fans will be eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
