Inter vs Milan: Coppa Italia Semi-Final Second Leg Showdown at San Siro

Inter vs Milan preview

Itโ€™s Derby Day in Milan again, but this time the stakes are at their highest. The Inter vs Milan rivalry returns in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, with both sides eyeing a place in the final andโ€”perhaps more critically for Milanโ€”a ticket back to European football. With the first leg finishing 1-1, everything is still to play for in what will be the fifth and final Derby della Madonnina of the season.

Previous H2H

The Inter – Milan derby is one of footballโ€™s oldest and most fierce rivalries. Across all competitions, theyโ€™ve met 227 times:

  • Inter: 85 wins
  • AC Milan: 73 wins
  • Draws: 69

This season has favored Milan in head-to-head clashes. After enduring a run of six straight defeats in recent years, the Rossoneri have flipped the script in 2024โ€“25 with two draws (1-1) and two wins, including a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Supercoppa Italiana. Those results have given Milan a psychological edge coming into this crucial Inter vs Milan Coppa Italia decider.

H2H in Coppa Italia

The Inter – Milan derby has occurred 28 times in Coppa Italia history:

  • AC Milan wins: 10
  • Inter wins: 9
  • Draws: 9

In semi-final matchups, the tally stands evenly at 2-2. The most recent tie in 2021/22 saw Inter knock out Milan, setting up a painful memory for Rossoneri fans. However, Milanโ€™s recent resurgence offers hope of turning the tables. History shows that these clashes are often decided by the finest of margins, making Wednesdayโ€™s clash all the more unpredictable.

History of the Derby

The Derby della Madonnina, as itโ€™s famously known, transcends football. It’s a battle of tradition, colors, pride, and city supremacy. Both clubs share the San Siro, but when they collide, it feels like a universe divides.

This 244th official meeting is not just about advancing to the finalโ€”itโ€™s a continuation of a century-old narrative. Milan’s need for silverware and European redemption adds extra drama to an already emotionally charged fixture. Inter, meanwhile, want to reinforce their dominance and continue their hunt for a rare continental treble.

Match Prediction

The Inter vs Milan semi-final second leg promises another gritty, high-stakes affair. Given Milan’s poor domestic form but better record in derbies this season, and Interโ€™s ambition for a treble despite recent league wobbles, this game is balanced on a knifeโ€™s edge.

Expect tactical discipline, explosive counter-attacks, and nervy moments. Both clubs know whatโ€™s at stake: glory, bragging rights, and season-defining momentum.

Prediction: Inter 1-2 AC Milan (After Extra Time)
With Abrahamโ€™s form in derbies and Leaoโ€™s explosive potential, Milan could edge itโ€”just.

Possible Lineups

Milanโ€™s approach depends on their left side firingโ€”Leao, Theo, and Thiaw will be crucial. Abraham is expected to get the nod over Jovic, having already scored twice against Inter this season.

AC Milan (3-4-3)

  • GK: Maignan
  • DEF: Tomori, Gabbia, Thiaw
  • MID: Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, Theo Hernandez
  • FWD: Pulisic, Abraham, Leao

Inter Milan (3-5-2)

  • GK: Josep Martinez
  • DEF: Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni
  • MID: Darmian, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Barella, Dimarco
  • FWD: Correa, Lautaro Martinez

With Sommer rotated out, Josep Martinez starts in goal, signaling Inzaghiโ€™s trust in his cup specialist. Lautaro Martinez, Interโ€™s captain and top scorer, will lead the line in a game where heโ€™s historically been decisive.

What Each Manager Said

Sergio Conceicao (AC Milan):

โ€œWe have improved our stability and are focused. The Coppa Italia is more than a trophyโ€”itโ€™s redemption. Players like Abraham and Leao are ready to step up.โ€

Under pressure to salvage a poor league season, Conceicao has leaned into this tie as Milanโ€™s shot at both honor and Europe.

Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan):

โ€œWe know what this derby means. Weโ€™ve been here before, and we know how to deliver on big nights. The squad is focusedโ€”we want this final.โ€

With Inter in three competitions, Inzaghi is looking to keep momentum despite recent lapses in Serie A. His decision to start Martinez and trust Dimarco again reflects continuity and belief in experience.

Where to Watch

Watching the Inter vs Milan Coppa Italia clash is easy wherever you are:

Region Platform Kick-off Time
USA Paramount+ 3:00 PM ET
UK Viaplay Sports, OneFootball 8:00 PM BST
Europe Canale 5, Infinity+, Mediaset 9:00 PM CET

 

Key Stats & Players to Watch

Lautaro Martinez: 9 goals vs Milan; he thrives in derbies and has 150+ goals for Inter.

Tammy Abraham: Already two goals against Inter this seasonโ€”key for Milanโ€™s hopes.

Leao & Theo: When these two link up on the left, Milan become a different animal. Interโ€™s Pavard and Darmian must contain them.

Other stats:

Inter has had 19 different scorers this season.

Milan has kept only 4 clean sheets under Conceicao.

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