In a highly anticipated Coppa Italia semi-final first leg at San Siro, AC Milan and Inter Milan played out a 1-1 draw, setting up an exciting second leg.
For both teams, the cup tie is a must win and they showed how much they both deserved it on the pitch. Although the result saw both teams share the spoils, the return leg will be all out war with a place in the finals up for grabs.
The game began with both teams eager to assert dominance. Inter Milan, despite missing key striker Lautaro Martinez due to injury, managed to control possession in the early stages. Their midfield put together several attacking moves, but the steadfast defending of the Rossonerri kept Inter at bay. With the game going from end to end, it was just a matter of time before either team scored.
Eventually, the breakthrough came. In the 47th minute, AC Milan’s Tammy Abraham pounced on a precise pass from Youssouf Fofana. Abraham’s low strike fizzled into the bottom corner, giving the Rossoneri a 1-0 lead.
Inter Milan responded shortly after. Their efforts to equalize bore fruit in the 67th minute when Hakan Çalhanoğlu unleashed a powerful long-range shot that beat AC Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, leveling the score at 1-1.
Both teams had opportunities to secure a winner in the remaining minutes. Inter’s Josep Martinez and Milan’s Maignan made crucial saves to keep their sides in contention. Both teams put on a wonderful display and the fans can attest to that. The score ended 1-1 but this leaves the gates wide open for an entertaining return fixture.
This result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg. Inter Milan, currently leading Serie A and aiming for a treble, will look to leverage their home advantage in the return fixture.
While AC Milan, sitting ninth in the league and seeking European qualification through the Coppa Italia, will be equally motivated to progress to the final.
