Inter Milan and AC Milan battled to a 1-1 draw in a pulsating first leg of their Italian Cup semi-final at San Siro on Wednesday, leaving the historic rivalry finely poised ahead of the decisive second leg later this month.
Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu equalized for Inter in the 67th minute, his low shot slipping past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to cancel out Tammy Abraham’s clinical 46th-minute opener. The result sets up a high-stakes return match, with the winner likely facing Bologna in May’s final.
“It was an even game. Milan had chances, we had chances, but we improved in the second half,” Calhanoglu said post-match. “Not losing today was crucial.”
Abraham showcased sharp instincts for Milan’s goal, capitalizing on Inter defender Yann Bisseck’s defensive lapse to net his ninth goal of the season. The match highlighted contrasting ambitions: Serie A leaders Inter remain in contention for a treble, while ninth-placed Milan seek redemption after a turbulent league campaign.
Milan manager Sergio Conceicao praised his team’s resilience: “We faced a tough opponent and defended well. This approach must continue.”
With Inter preparing for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and Milan fighting for European qualification, the April 20 second leg promises fireworks.
