AC Milan Crushes Inter, Advances to Cup Final \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ AC Milan stunned rivals Inter Milan with a 3-0 derby victory to reach the Italian Cup final, derailing Inter’s hopes for a treble. Luka Jovic scored twice to lead Milan, who are struggling in Serie A but thriving in cup competitions. Juventus and Lazio also featured in dramatic midweek Serie A action.
Quick Looks
- Milan 3-0 Inter: Jovic scores twice to send Milan to final
- Aggregate Score: Milan advances 4-1 over two legs
- Final Date: Set for May 14 in Rome
- Milan’s Route to Europe: Cup win may be only hope
- Inter Eliminated: Second straight loss after Serie A defeat at Bologna
- Juventus Upset: Loses 1-0 to Parma under new coach Igor Tudor
- Vlahovic Injury: Star striker exits at halftime
- Lazio Jumps Roma: Wins 2-0 at Genoa to retake 6th
- Fiorentina Comeback: Beats Cagliari 2-1 with second-half goals
- Torino Triumphs: 2-0 win over Udinese behind Adams and Dembele
Deep Look
In a season where AC Milan has largely underperformed in Serie A, the Rossoneri saved their best for the biggest stage: the Derby della Madonnina. On Wednesday, Milan delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia semifinals, eliminating their fiercest rival and booking a ticket to the final in Rome. The result also ended Inter’s hopes of a historic treble — league title, domestic cup, and Champions League.
While Inter tops the Serie A standings and is preparing for a Champions League semifinal against Barcelona, it was Milan who looked like the title contenders at the San Siro. Luka Jovic, the often-underappreciated Serbian forward, was the unexpected hero with two decisive goals. Tijjani Reijnders added a third in the closing minutes to complete a dominant performance.
The win ensures Milan advances to the Coppa Italia final, scheduled for May 14 in Rome, and keeps their season alive in terms of continental qualification. Sitting ninth in the Serie A table, the club’s only realistic path to European football next season likely hinges on lifting this trophy — which grants the winner a spot in the UEFA Europa League.
Jovic’s Derby Heroics
Luka Jovic has had a turbulent career since his breakout at Eintracht Frankfurt, but against Inter, he found his form in the most critical moment. His first goal came in the 36th minute — a towering header that beat Inter keeper Yann Sommer, giving Milan the momentum they needed. Just after halftime, Jovic capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home his second from close range, doubling Milan’s advantage.
Jovic, often rotated behind other strikers in Milan’s pecking order, stepped up with confidence and composure. After the match, he credited the team’s mentality:
“It was a very important game for us. As you know, we are not that good in Serie A. We had to show quality and character today — and we did. Now, we go to Rome.”
His brace was a redemption story, not just for him, but for a Milan side desperate to salvage their season.
Tactical Masterclass From Conceição
Coach Sergio Conceição, facing intense scrutiny over Milan’s underwhelming domestic campaign, put together a tactical blueprint that exposed Inter’s vulnerabilities. While Inter dominated possession early and came close through Federico Dimarco, who struck the crossbar in the 23rd minute, it was Milan who remained compact, patient, and lethal on the counter.
The midfield duo of Reijnders and Ismaël Bennacer was instrumental in disrupting Inter’s build-up play, and Rafael Leão created space with his pace even though he didn’t score. Theo Hernández and Davide Calabria kept Inter’s wingers relatively quiet, nullifying the wide threat that often gives Simone Inzaghi’s team its edge.
Reijnders sealed the victory in the 85th minute, finishing off a sweeping team move that started with a steal in midfield and ended with a powerful low strike inside the box.
“We believe in ourselves,” Reijnders said. “If we play like this, we can absolutely win this trophy.”
Inter’s Treble Hopes Dashed
For Inter Milan, the loss was both humiliating and significant. Not only did they fall to their archrivals in the semifinal of a major domestic competition, but they also suffered their second consecutive defeat — following a weekend 1-0 loss at Bologna in Serie A.
Coach Simone Inzaghi now faces mounting pressure to refocus his squad ahead of their Champions League semifinal against Barcelona. While Inter remains atop the Serie A table, cracks have appeared in recent weeks. Their attacking line, led by Lautaro Martínez, failed to register a goal for the second straight match, and key players like Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan looked sluggish in midfield.
Cup Final Outlook
With Milan through to the final, they await the winner of Bologna vs. Empoli, where Bologna currently holds a 3-0 lead from the first leg. The final on May 14 at Stadio Olimpico in Rome will offer Milan not only a shot at silverware but also a route back into European competition, bypassing their disappointing league campaign.
The pressure is on Conceição, whose job likely hinges on this one title. For a club with Milan’s pedigree — seven European Cups, five Coppa Italia titles, and a global fanbase — a season without Europe is difficult to stomach.
Juventus Slip Again Under Tudor
Meanwhile, Juventus wasted a golden opportunity to move back into the top four with a 1-0 loss at Parma, in a match rescheduled due to the death of Pope Francis. Mateo Pellegrino scored in first-half stoppage time to hand Cristian Chivu’s side all three points.
It was Igor Tudor’s first loss as Juventus manager, having taken over from Thiago Motta last month. Worse, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic came off injured at halftime with a suspected thigh issue, raising doubts about his availability during the run-in.
Now sitting fifth in the table, Juventus is just one point behind Bologna but faces a brutal final stretch with only five games remaining. Despite an initial bounce under Tudor, the club’s European hopes are once again in doubt.
Lazio Leapfrogs Roma With Win Over Genoa
Lazio returned to sixth place after a gritty 2-0 win over Genoa, jumping ahead of city rival Roma. The goals came from Valentin Castellanos and Boulaye Dia, and the match saw two red cards — Sebastian Otoa for Genoa in the first half and Reda Belahyane for Lazio late in the second.
Genoa ultras briefly halted the match when they lit flares, engulfing the pitch in smoke. Still, Lazio kept their composure and secured a critical victory to stay in the Europa League qualification hunt.
Fiorentina and Torino Keep European Push Alive
Fiorentina, sitting in eighth, mounted an impressive comeback against Cagliari, winning 2-1 after trailing early. Robin Gosens equalized before Lucas Beltran scored the winner in the second half. The Viola are now within striking distance of a European spot if they can build momentum in the final rounds.
Torino also stayed in the hunt with a 2-0 win over Udinese. Ché Adams scored in the first half, and Ali Dembele sealed the win with a late goal. Torino remains within the top ten and has an outside chance of European qualification depending on Coppa Italia outcomes.
Serie A European Race Tightens
With five matches remaining, the battle for Champions League and Europa League spots is intensifying:
- Inter still leads the league but is under pressure to hold their form
- Juventus, Lazio, Roma, Fiorentina, and Torino are fighting for top-six positions
- Milan, if they win the Coppa Italia, could leapfrog into Europe despite a weak league finish
With the added incentive of continental football tied to the cup, every match now carries extra weight for clubs in the middle of the table.
Final Thoughts
AC Milan’s thrashing of Inter in the Coppa Italia semifinal was more than just a win — it was a message. In a season where the Rossoneri have underwhelmed, they reminded the football world of their pedigree, their fight, and their resilience. For Jovic, for Conceição, and for the fans, May 14 can’t come soon enough.
Meanwhile, Inter’s focus must shift to Europe, Juventus must regroup, and mid-table clubs like Lazio and Fiorentina are finding renewed purpose.
The season finale promises drama, redemption, and plenty of tension — both on and off the pitch.
AC Milan Crushes AC Milan Crushes AC Milan Crushes
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