Inter Secures Coppa Italia Semi-Final Spot Against AC Milan Following Tough Victory Over Lazio

Inter Milan has set the stage for an exciting derby showdown against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals after securing a 2-0 victory over Lazio. This win marks their impressive unbeaten streak at home, which now stands at 16 matches across all competitions (W13, D3).

The match had a fiery start, with both teams exchanging fierce tackles. However, as the game progressed, it became evident that Inter were edging the possession statistics, while Lazio posed a significant threat on the counter-attack.

Boulaye Dia was the first to threaten when his deflected shot narrowly missed, and Gustav Isaksen had several attempts from distance that kept the Inter defence on alert.

Despite appearing solid at the back, Lazio found themselves trailing just before half-time due to a dazzling moment from Marko Arnautovic.

After an Inter set-piece was well defended, the ball was cleared high into the air. Yet, the Austrian forward displayed remarkable composure and skill to unleash a stunning first-time volley from 30 yards, leaving Christos Mandas rooted to the spot.

After the break, Lazio regrouped and Isaksen continued to trouble the Inter defence with his dribbling skills, but Josep Martinez was equal to his efforts, denying his shot following an impressive run into the box.

As Lazio pressed for an equaliser, they came close with an improvised shot at the back post, but once again, Martinez was well-positioned to make the save.

Just when it seemed Lazio were gearing up for a late surge, former Lazio player Joaquin Correa was awarded a penalty for Inter after being clumsily brought down in the box as he prepared to shoot.

Hakan Calhanoglu had to wait briefly as the visitors protested the decision, but he remained composed, coolly sending Mandas the wrong way to extend the lead.

Although Marco Baroni’s side fought valiantly to get back into the match, luck evaded them as Pedro’s deflected shot hit the bar and went over.

Following that near miss, Inter successfully managed the game to secure the victory, leaving Lazio to exit at the quarter-final stage for the fifth time in their last six Coppa Italia campaigns.