Inter and Milan Draw in Italian Cup Semi-Final Derby
The Italian Cup semi-final clash between Inter Milan and AC Milan ended in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, leaving the tie delicately poised. Hakan Calhanoglu's goal in the 67th minute ensured that Inter would carry a level score into the second leg...
TroibNews 
The Italian Cup semi-final clash between Inter Milan and AC Milan ended in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, leaving the tie delicately poised.
Hakan Calhanoglu's goal in the 67th minute ensured that Inter would carry a level score into the second leg later this month. Calhanoglu, the Turkey captain, fired in a low shot that slipped past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, equalizing after Tammy Abraham had given Milan the lead just a minute after the break.
"It was an even game. Milan had a few chances and so did we, but in the second half we played a bit better," Calhanoglu remarked. "It was important to not lose today because we still have the other match to play."
Abraham’s ninth goal of the season across all competitions came as he made a swift turn and struck decisively, taking advantage of poor marking from Inter defender Yann Bisseck.
Milan could use some positivity, especially as they trail the current Serie A leaders, Inter, who are pursuing a treble alongside their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.
Sergio Conceicao's Milan sit ninth in the league, 20 points adrift of Inter and nine points away from Champions League qualification. They entered Wednesday's fixture under significant pressure following a loss to Napoli on Sunday.
"It was a good game against a difficult opponent. We had to play well defensively and that's what we did, so I'm happy," Conceicao stated. "I'm happy with the approach to the match and we have to keep it up."
The victor of this semi-final will likely face Bologna in the final in Rome next month, as Vincenzo Italiano's squad secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Empoli on Tuesday night.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Hakan Calhanoglu's goal in the 67th minute ensured that Inter would carry a level score into the second leg later this month. Calhanoglu, the Turkey captain, fired in a low shot that slipped past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, equalizing after Tammy Abraham had given Milan the lead just a minute after the break.
"It was an even game. Milan had a few chances and so did we, but in the second half we played a bit better," Calhanoglu remarked. "It was important to not lose today because we still have the other match to play."
Abraham’s ninth goal of the season across all competitions came as he made a swift turn and struck decisively, taking advantage of poor marking from Inter defender Yann Bisseck.
Milan could use some positivity, especially as they trail the current Serie A leaders, Inter, who are pursuing a treble alongside their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.
Sergio Conceicao's Milan sit ninth in the league, 20 points adrift of Inter and nine points away from Champions League qualification. They entered Wednesday's fixture under significant pressure following a loss to Napoli on Sunday.
"It was a good game against a difficult opponent. We had to play well defensively and that's what we did, so I'm happy," Conceicao stated. "I'm happy with the approach to the match and we have to keep it up."
The victor of this semi-final will likely face Bologna in the final in Rome next month, as Vincenzo Italiano's squad secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Empoli on Tuesday night.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Interested in more international Sports news? Visit TROIB Sports
