AC Milan's Stunning Coppa Italia Victory Over Inter: Treble Dream Shattered
In a dramatic twist of the Derby della Madonnina, AC Milan crushed Inter Milan's treble hopes with a resounding 3-0 victory in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg. Luka Jovic, a surprising starter and previously sidelined player, delivered a masterclass with two goals, while Tijjani Reijnders added a late strike to seal a 4-1 aggregate win. This stunning upset leaves Inter reeling, despite their Serie A dominance.
Jovic's Resurgence and Milan's Tactical Masterpiece
The match was a testament to AC Milan's tactical brilliance and Jovic's opportunistic finishing. His goals, a powerful header and a clinical finish, showcased his revitalized form. Reijnders' goal punctuated a dominant performance, highlighting Milan's superior efficiency: three shots on target, three goals. This win marks Milan's fifth consecutive unbeaten game against Inter this season—a remarkable feat.
Inter's Fatigue and the Crushing Defeat
For Inter, the loss was a devastating blow, ending their pursuit of a treble. Simone Inzaghi admitted his team felt the strain of a demanding season, citing fatigue as a factor in their second-half collapse. Key players like Lautaro Martinez appeared unusually ineffective, underscoring the physical and mental toll of competing on three fronts. Inzaghi's post-match frustration was evident, even resulting in a heated exchange with the match officials. The defeat leaves Inter facing a crucial period in their season, needing to rebound quickly for upcoming Serie A and Champions League matches.
Looking Ahead: Coppa Italia Final and Beyond
AC Milan now advances to the Coppa Italia final, aiming for their second trophy of the season after winning the Supercoppa Italiana. Their opponents will likely be Bologna, pending the outcome of their second leg match. Meanwhile, Inter must regroup and refocus on their remaining Serie A and Champions League objectives. The rivalry between these two Milanese giants remains fiercely intense, promising many more thrilling encounters.
Keywords:
Inter vs Milan, Derby della Madonnina, Coppa Italia, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Luka Jovic, Tijjani Reijnders, Simone Inzaghi, Serie A, Champions League, treble, Italian football, San Siro, Coppa Italia Final, Matthijs de Ligt