The last 'Milan derby' of this season ended in a complete victory for AC Milan. On this day, Inter Milan lost not just the match, but the chance to reach the final, their pride, and the hope for a treble all at once.
Inter Milan suffered a crushing defeat to AC Milan, 0-3, in the second leg of the 2024-2025 season Coppa Italia semi-finals held at the liquor tax Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy, on the 24th (Korea time).
Having drawn 1-1 in the first leg, Inter Milan failed to advance to the final with an aggregate score of 1-4, resulting in their challenge for the Serie A, UEFA Champions League, and Coppa Italia treble being dashed.
This match was not just a simple cup semifinal. It was a match that involved the pride of Milan rivals based in the same city, and it was also a critical moment for Inter Milan, which had been racing towards the top all season, in their pursuit of a 'treble.' However, throughout both halves, Inter was overwhelmed by AC Milan's assault and essentially crumbled without even being able to show their true strength.
AC Milan successfully seized the lead in the 36th minute when Luka Jovic scored the opening goal. He finished off a cross from the side with a superb header, shifting the momentum of the game. Just four minutes into the second half, Jovic scored again, and in the 40th minute, Ryan Gravenberch added a decisive goal, sealing AC Milan's victory.
On the other hand, Inter's attacking line led by Lautaro Martinez was repeatedly thwarted by AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and ultimately could not produce any goals. The efforts of Arnautovic, who had to fill the gap left by Marcus Thuram's injury, also fell short of expectations.
This defeat is particularly painful for Inter. They are still leading the Serie A and have reached the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, but their elimination from the domestic cup has created significant fractures in their plans to accumulate trophies this season. Especially for Inter, who sought to win the Coppa Italia once again after the 2022-2023 season, this exit was unexpected.
In contrast, AC Milan has once again proven their strong tournament DNA. In five matches against Inter Milan this season, they have recorded three wins and two draws, showcasing a clear superiority. Including their victory in the Super Cup final last January, they continued their momentum in the derby.
At the center of this match once again was Jovic. He scored multiple goals against Inter and became a key figure in their journey to the final. Together with Christian Pulisic, Theo Hernandez, and the overwhelming presence of Youssouf Fofana in the midfield, AC Milan thoroughly dismantled Inter both offensively and defensively.
Meanwhile, the other protagonist of the Coppa Italia final will be determined in a match between Bologna and Empoli that takes place early on the 25th. Bologna is in a favorable situation after securing a 3-0 victory in the first leg away match. If Bologna faces AC Milan in the final, it will be their first challenge for the trophy in 51 years since 1974. Conversely, if Empoli stages a miraculous turnaround, they will set a new milestone by reaching their first final in club history.
The final Milan derby left a strong impression on both the winners and the losers. AC Milan has once again revived its status as a strong team on the Italian stage, while Inter has reason to keep their heads down and give their all in the remaining two competitions.
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