In a thrilling encounter at San Siro, AC Milan and Inter Milan battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on April 2, 2025. The match showcased the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, with both sides eager to secure a place in the final. Milan took the lead early in the second half, thanks to a well-placed strike from Tammy Abraham, but Inter responded with a powerful long-range effort from Hakan Calhanoglu, ensuring that the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg in three weeks.
Josep Martinez stepped in for Yann Sommer as Inter's starting goalkeeper, marking his first appearance in the starting XI since early March. Martinez, who had previously filled in admirably during Sommer's absence due to injury, was tasked with keeping the dangerous Milan attack at bay. "A tutti noi piacerebbe giocare la finale," Martinez stated post-match, expressing his aspirations for the tournament.
From the outset, both teams displayed their attacking prowess, but it was Milan who struck first. Just two minutes into the second half, Abraham found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Inter. The forward's shot from inside the box left Martinez with no chance, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
However, Inter was quick to respond. After a period of sustained pressure, Calhanoglu leveled the score in the 67th minute with a stunning effort from outside the box that deflected off a Milan defender, leaving goalkeeper Mike Maignan helpless. The Turkish international’s goal was a testament to Inter's resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure.
Throughout the match, both teams had their share of chances, with Inter arguably creating the better opportunities. Martinez was called into action multiple times, showcasing his skills with several key saves. His performance was crucial in maintaining the draw, especially against an inspired Milan side that was relentless in their pursuit of a second goal.
Inzaghi's side had to contend with the absence of key players like Lautaro Martinez and Denzel Dumfries, both sidelined due to injury. Despite this setback, the team managed to hold their own against a strong Milan outfit. "Abbiamo fatto un'ottima gara, ci sono aspetti da migliorare ma credo che per il ritorno saremo pronti," said Yann Bisseck, highlighting the need for improvement but also expressing confidence in their ability to perform in the second leg.
The match statistics reflected a closely contested affair, with Milan registering more shots on target but Inter maintaining a higher possession rate. In total, the Rossoneri had 14 shots, with 5 on target, while the Nerazzurri managed 12 shots, with 6 testing Maignan. Both teams also demonstrated solid defensive organization, evidenced by the yellow cards issued to Bisseck and Acerbi for Inter, and Hernandez for Milan.
As the final whistle blew, the score remained 1-1, leaving the outcome of the semi-final hanging in the balance. Fans now eagerly await the second leg, where both teams will vie for a spot in the Coppa Italia final in Rome.
Looking ahead, Inter's focus will shift to their upcoming Serie A match against Parma, which will be crucial for maintaining momentum in the league. Martinez acknowledged the importance of this match, stating, "Dobbiamo pensare al Parma. Ci concentreremo sulla sfida di ritorno quando sarà il momento." This sentiment was echoed by Bisseck, who emphasized the need to stay focused on immediate challenges while keeping an eye on the future.
As the rivalry continues, both clubs are set to face off again in just a few weeks, with the stakes higher than ever. The return leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and secure a place in the final.
