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Milan Dismantles Inter in Coppa Italia Derby: Treble Dreams Shattered
AC Milan delivered a resounding 3-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg, effectively ending Inter's hopes of a Treble. Repubblica's headline, "To hell with the Treble. Milan dismantles Inter in a one-sided derby," perfectly encapsulates the night's events. This article delves into the key moments, player performances, and the aftermath of this dramatic derby.
Luka Jovic Leads the Charge
Luka Jovic emerged as the unexpected hero, scoring a brace that stunned Inter. His performance, a surprise given his starting position, proved decisive in securing Milan's passage to the final. Meanwhile, Tijjani Reijnders continued his impressive season, adding another goal to his tally (now at 15, making him Milan's joint top scorer alongside Pulisic), sealing the 3-0 victory.
Taremi's Subpar Performance Criticized
In contrast, Inter's Mehdi Taremi faced intense criticism for his "lightweight" performance (Tuttosport). While he had shone in previous derbies, this time he struggled to make an impact, failing to hold the ball effectively or provide a goal threat. This underwhelming display, along with Kristjan Asllani's poor performance, has reportedly put both players on the transfer list.
Financial Success Amidst On-Field Defeat
Despite the crushing defeat, Inter did experience a financial win. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, they broke the Coppa Italia gate receipt record, earning €5.8 million from the match. This silver lining, however, is hardly enough to compensate for the humiliating loss and dashed Treble ambitions.
Inzaghi's Concerns and Inter's Future
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi acknowledged Milan's deserved victory, expressing concern over his team's back-to-back defeats. He cited fatigue and a lack of sharpness in key moments as contributing factors. The loss to Milan, coupled with a previous defeat to Bologna, leaves Inter facing a crucial period, needing to regroup quickly to fight for the Serie A title and navigate their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
Milan's Derby Dominance Continues
This victory extends Milan's unbeaten run against Inter this season to five matches (three wins, two draws), highlighting a significant shift in the derby's power dynamic. For Milan, reaching the Coppa Italia final offers a chance to salvage a season that otherwise looks disappointing. Winning the trophy would not only secure a place in the Europa League, but also add a vital boost to the club’s morale and finances.
Keywords: Milan Inter, Derby della Madonnina, Coppa Italia, Luka Jovic, Tijjani Reijnders, Mehdi Taremi, Simone Inzaghi, Sergio Conceicao, Treble, Serie A, Champions League, Inter Milan loss, AC Milan victory, football, Italian football
