Inter’s Simone Inzaghi Treads Carefully Before Coppa Italia Semi-Final Clash with Milan

While Inter Milan is enjoying a significantly more fruitful season compared to their rivals AC Milan, a disappointing performance in this year’s derby matches has led Inter coach Simone Inzaghi to approach the upcoming two-legged Coppa Italia semi-final with caution.

Current champions Inter are leading the Serie A table, while Milan sits in ninth place. Inzaghi’s side is on a five-game winning streak across all competitions, whereas Milan has suffered defeats in four of their last six outings.

Nevertheless, in their three encounters this season, Milan has emerged victorious twice. Inter managed to secure a 1-1 draw in their latest clash in February, meaning Milan holds the upper hand in this storied rivalry as they prepare for Wednesday’s first leg.

“We recognise that we’ve faced challenges this year, particularly in the first match. The other two were quite even,” Inzaghi remarked to the media on Tuesday.

“This is a Coppa Italia semi-final against Milan. It’s a derby, and there’s a strong desire to deliver a top-notch performance, especially knowing we are up against a formidable opponent who has presented challenges for us this year, among others.”

Inzaghi expressed satisfaction with Inter’s performance this season, highlighting their three-point advantage in Serie A and their progression to the Champions League quarter-finals after defeating Feyenoord.

“Our aim was to reach April still competing on all fronts; we understand that the tougher stage is now upon us, but it brings immense pride to be active in every competition,” the 48-year-old commented.

He also acknowledged Milan’s capacity to trouble any team, as evidenced by their impressive 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in November during the Champions League group stage.

“We are aware that this will be a 180-minute contest,” he noted.

“Reflecting on our last match, the derbies we’ve played, and their game against Real Madrid, it’s clear they’re a talented team that has experienced some ups and downs this season. However, in single matches, they’ve caused problems for everyone. We need to remain extremely vigilant.”