In a highly anticipated showdown at San Siro, AC Milan and Inter Milan are set to clash in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on April 23, 2025, at 21:00 CEST. After a gripping first leg that ended in a 1-1 draw, both teams are eager to secure their place in the final, which will take place on May 14.
The first leg saw Tammy Abraham put AC Milan ahead just after halftime, with his goal coming in the 47th minute. However, Inter’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu equalized in the 67th minute, leaving the tie finely balanced heading into this crucial second leg.
AC Milan’s head coach, Sergio Conceicao, has made his intentions clear with a strong starting lineup. The Rossoneri will be fielding a 3-4-3 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal, supported by a back three of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic. The wing-backs, Alex Jimenez and Theo Hernandez, will look to provide width and support in attack.
In midfield, Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders will anchor the team, while the forward trio features Christian Pulisic, Luka Jovic, and Rafael Leao. Notably, Emerson Royal is the only player missing from the squad, with Kyle Walker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek returning to full training, although only Loftus-Cheek has made the bench.
The official lineup for AC Milan is as follows: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, Theo Hernandez; Pulisic, Jovic, Leao. On the bench are Sportiello, Torriani, Gimenez, Loftus-Cheek, Chukwueze, Florenzi, Thiaw, Bartesaghi, Bondo, Terracciano, Joao Felix, Musah, Abraham, and Sottil.
Inter Milan, under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, will counter with a 3-5-2 formation. Their starting XI includes goalkeeper Lautaro Martinez; defenders Bisseck, De Vrij, and Bastoni; a midfield comprising Darmian, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, and Dimarco; and a striking partnership of Taremi and Lautaro Martinez.
The official lineup for Inter is: Martinez; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Taremi, Lautaro Martinez. The bench features Sommer, Di Gennaro, Arnautovic, Correa, Acerbi, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Pavard, Carlos Augusto, Berenbruch, Cocchi, and Zalewski.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, it's worth noting that despite Inter Milan's position at the top of the Serie A table, they have struggled against their city rivals this season. The two teams have faced each other four times, with AC Milan winning twice and drawing twice, including a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Super Coppa final.
Both clubs are coming off disappointing losses in their respective league matches; Inter fell to Bologna while AC Milan lost to Atalanta. This semi-final presents an opportunity for both sides to shift their focus and aim for silverware, with the winner set to face either Bologna or Empoli in the Coppa Italia final.
Fans are buzzing with excitement for this derby, and ticket sales have nearly reached capacity. However, there are still some tickets available for purchase online or at the official vending counters at San Siro, which will open at 18:00 CEST. Gates for the stadium will open at 19:00 CEST, and fans are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues.
For those driving to the match, it's recommended to reserve a parking spot in advance through the Park for Fun website. Additionally, a valid identity document is required for entry, and spectators should be aware of the prohibited items within the stadium, which include large umbrellas, lighters, and professional cameras, among others. Only small portable umbrellas without tips will be allowed in case of adverse weather.
This match not only represents a fierce rivalry but also a chance for both teams to assert their dominance in Italian football. With the stakes high and the atmosphere electric, fans can expect a thrilling encounter as AC Milan and Inter Milan vie for a coveted spot in the Coppa Italia final.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the excitement builds. Can AC Milan continue their strong form against Inter, or will the Nerazzurri find a way to break their city rivals’ hold? All eyes will be on San Siro as these two giants of Italian football battle it out for a place in the final and the chance to lift the prestigious Coppa Italia trophy.
