AC Milan Crushes Inter's Treble Dream in Coppa Italia
Inter Milan's hopes of a historic treble ended abruptly Wednesday night at the San Siro, as their city rivals AC Milan delivered a stunning 3-0 victory in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg. This emphatic win, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, secured a 4-1 aggregate victory for the Rossoneri and dashed Inter's ambitions.
Jovic's Brace Leads Milan's Charge
Luka Jovic was the star of the show, scoring a crucial brace. His first, a headed goal in the 36th minute, gave Milan the lead, and his second, a poacher's effort four minutes into the second half, effectively sealed the tie. Tijjani Reijnders added a late third to complete the rout, securing Milan's place in the final against the winner of Bologna vs. Empoli.
A Difficult Season for Both Teams
The match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two Milanese giants. While Inter sits atop the Serie A table and prepares for a Champions League semi-final clash against Barcelona, AC Milan has endured a more challenging season. Struggling in Serie A, the Coppa Italia win offers a vital lifeline and a chance to end the season with silverware. This was Milan's fifth victory over Inter this season, a stark contrast to recent years' dominance for Inter.
Inter's Focus Shifts to Champions League
For Inter, the Coppa Italia defeat is a significant setback, ending their hopes of a treble. However, the focus now immediately shifts to their crucial Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. The Nerazzurri will need to quickly regroup and channel their energy towards securing a place in the final. The pressure is on Inzaghi and his squad to deliver a strong performance in Europe.
Figo Backs Inter in Champions League
Former Inter and Barcelona star Luis Figo has voiced his support for Inter in the Champions League, praising their defensive solidity and offensive capabilities. While acknowledging PSG as potential favorites, Figo's endorsement adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming semi-final.
What's Next?
The Derby della Madonnina continues to deliver drama and excitement. While Inter must focus on bouncing back, AC Milan will be looking forward to the Coppa Italia final. For fans of both sides, the rivalry remains as intense as ever.