The second leg of the semi-final was closer than the scoreline suggested. But Inter was a comfortable winner on aggregate after a goalless draw in the first match.
Inter Milan defeated city rivals AC Milan 3-0 on Tuesday to advance to the Italian Cup final, facing either Juventus or Fiorentina.
The second leg of the semi-final was closer than the scoreline suggested. But Inter was a comfortable winner on aggregate after a goalless draw in the first match. On May 11, Simone Inzaghi’s men will face the winners of Wednesday’s other semi-final. Which Juventus leads 1-0 after the first leg, at the Stadio Olimpico. AC Milan has not won a major trophy since winning the Serie A title in 2011. But the Scudetto is still on the table this season.
Inter is two points ahead of Inter in the table, but the reigning champions have a game in hand.
On Tuesday, Inter Milan got off to a flying start, scoring within the first four minutes. Martinez volleyed into the top corner after Matteo Darmian’s dinked cross found him. It was his 18th goal of the season in all competitions.
AC Milan finally got going around the half-hour mark. Forcing Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to make crucial saves from Rafael Leao and Alex Saelemaekers. But, against the run of play, Inter doubled their lead when Joaquin Correa played a lovely Via ball into the path of Martinez. Who coolly chipped the ball over advancing goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Milan began the second half strongly, with the defense making crucial saves on shots by Brahim Diaz, Olivier Giroud, and Pierre Kalulu. In the 66th minute, the Serie A leaders thought they had given themselves hope thanks to Ismael Bennacer’s excellent long-range drive. However, the purpose was disallowed by VAR because Kalulu was in an offside position in front of Handanovic.