An intense clash between Inter Milan and AC Milan lit up the San Siro as the Italian Cup semi-final derby ended in a 1-1 draw. Both teams showed relentless spirit and tactical prowess, keeping the contest finely balanced throughout the match.
Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu gave Inter an edge in the 67th minute with a low, twisting shot that slipped past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. His well-timed strike nullified Tammy Abraham's opener, which came just a minute after half-time, as the Milan side capitalized on a momentary defensive lapse from Inter's Yann Bisseck.
Reflecting on the match, Calhanoglu remarked, "It was an even game. Milan had a few chances and so did we, but in the second half we played a bit better. It was important to not lose today because we still have the other match to play." Meanwhile, Milan's coach Sergio Conceicao expressed his satisfaction with his team's defensive efforts despite the high stakes and the challenges they face in Italy's top flight.
Inter, currently leading Serie A and chasing a historic treble, now looks ahead to the second leg of the tie, while Conceicao's side, striving to climb from ninth place, seek another boost after a tough defeat earlier in the week. The derby’s outcome sets the stage for the eventual final in Rome against Bologna, following their recent 3-0 victory over Empoli.
This captivating encounter not only showcased the rich heritage of Italian football but also united fans worldwide, igniting excitement for what promises to be an electrifying continuation of one of football's classic rivalries.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
