Inter Set Up Derby della Madonnina Semi-Final with Comfortable Lazio Win

Inter Milan has booked a mouth-watering Coppa Italia semi-final clash with city rivals AC Milan after securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Lazio at San Siro. In a match that started cautiously, the Nerazzurri grew into the game and ultimately made their superiority count with a goal in each half.

Arnautovic Breaks the Deadlock

The opening stages of the game saw both sides probing for an advantage, with Lazio appearing the more dangerous in the early exchanges. Isaksen and Dia threatened, but their final product lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble Inter’s defense. However, it was Marko Arnautovic who provided the breakthrough in the 39th minute, showcasing his predatory instincts.

Following a corner from Federico Dimarco, Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni could only clear as far as the experienced Austrian striker on the edge of the box. Arnautovic wasted no time in unleashing a stunning half-volley that rifled into the right side-netting, leaving goalkeeper Christos Mandas helpless and giving Inter a crucial lead before the break.

Calhanoglu Seals It from the Spot

Lazio responded after halftime with renewed attacking intent. Zaccagni came close to an equalizer, forcing a strong save from Inter's shot-stopper, Yann Sommer. However, Maurizio Sarri’s men struggled to convert their possession into clear-cut chances, managing an expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.85.

Inter, on the other hand, capitalized on their opportunities. In the 77th minute, substitute Joaquín Correa made a clever run and was brought down by Samuel Gigot inside the box. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, another substitute, stepped up to the spot and confidently dispatched the penalty past Mandas, securing Inter’s victory.

Derby della Madonnina Awaits

With this win, Inter successfully navigated their way past a Lazio side that struggled to make their chances count. Despite an xG of just 0.92, the Nerazzurri made the most of their clinical finishing to seal their place in the semi-finals.

Now, all eyes turn to the highly anticipated Derby della Madonnina, where Inter will battle AC Milan for a place in the Coppa Italia final. The city of Milan braces itself for another intense chapter in one of football’s most storied rivalries.