The stage is set for another fiery Milan derby, this time in the Coppa Italia semi-finals. Inter Milan, hosting the first leg, enters the match under Simone Inzaghi, looking to capitalize on home advantage and take a decisive step towards the final. Their motivation is clear: add another potential trophy to their season's aspirations.
AC Milan, led by Sérgio Conceição, faces immense pressure. With their league title hopes diminished, the Coppa Italia offers a vital chance to end the season on a high note. A strong performance against their fiercest rivals is crucial not just for advancing in the cup, but also for boosting team morale.
Reflecting on their last Coppa Italia encounter in April 2022, where Inter triumphed 3-0 in the second leg after a 0-0 draw in the first, highlights the evolution of these teams, particularly AC Milan. Only a handful of players from Milan's starting lineup in that 2022 fixture – namely Mike Maignan, Theo Hernández, and Rafael Leão – are expected to start this upcoming match. Fikayo Tomori might also feature, while Matteo Gabbia, a substitute three years ago, is anticipated to be in the starting XI this time, showcasing the squad turnover. This blend of returning figures and new faces adds an intriguing layer to Milan's approach.
Predicted lineups, according to sources like Gazzetta dello Sport, suggest Inter might field Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Augusto; Darmian, Frattesi, Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Arnautović. Milan could counter with Maignan; Walker, Gabbia, Pavlović, Hernández; Fofana, Bondo; Pulisic, Reijnders, João Félix; Abraham.