An inspired performance from Luka Jovic propelled AC Milan to a 3-0 victory over Inter Milan on Wednesday, as the Rossoneri secured a 4-1 aggregate triumph and a place in the Coppa Italia final.
In a first half largely short on quality, Inter Milan appeared more likely to break the deadlock, with Matteo Darmian, Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco all missing presentable opportunities, but it was the visitors who struck first as Jovic headed AC Milan into a 1-0 lead and 2-1 aggregate advantage going into the break.
Jovic added a second just minutes after the restart, and Inter Milan, fatigued from competing on several fronts, visibly began to tire as the second half wore on, and AC Milan poured salt on their wounds as Tijjani Reijnders netted late on to make it a resounding 3-0 victory on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Inter Milan started the game in much stronger fashion, but AC Milan were clearly boosted by the opening goal that came against the run of play, never losing control from that moment onwards.
The Nerazzurri have now lost back-to-back matches for the first time this season, while they have also failed to score in consecutive games for the only time this campaign - a worrying streak given they have important fixtures in both the Serie A title race and hunt for Champions League glory in the coming weeks.
While Simone Inzaghi will need some evaluating time to figure out their problems, Sergio Conceicao will be hoping his side can replicate that performance in the upcoming matches, including the Coppa Italia final next month.
A place in Europe looks unlikely to come from the Serie A, as they trail the top six by eight points, meaning a victory in the final is of paramount importance, while it also gives AC Milan the chance to complete a domestic double.
INTER MILAN VS. AC MILAN HIGHLIGHTS
Luka Jovic goal vs. Inter Milan (36th min, Inter Milan 0-1 AC Milan)
It's advantage Milan once again! 🔴⚫
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 23, 2025
Luka Jovic rises to head in and make it 2-1 in this Coppa Italia Semi-Final Second Leg 🏆🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/5mOnzEJLLW
Jovic heads AC Milan into the lead!
AC Milan are patiently building from the back, eventually playing the ball to Reijnders just outside of the area, and the midfielder brilliantly keeps possession as the visitors play the ball wide to Alex Jimenez.
Jimenez delivers a pinpoint cross to the head of Jovic, and the striker's header is powerfully planted into the left corner, giving AC Milan the lead.
Luka Jovic goal vs. Inter Milan (50th min, Inter Milan 0-2 AC Milan)
And make that a brace for Luka Jovic! 🔥
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 23, 2025
A big step towards the Coppa Italia final for Milan, but Inter still have time to respond 🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/PmVoEKRxBx
Jovic and AC Milan have a second!
A corner is delivered deep into Inter Milan's box toward the back post, where Rafael Leao manages to play the ball off Nicolo Barella as the two grapple to make first contact.
Jovic displays superb striking instinct, reacting first to the loose ball and poking it into the net from close range to double AC Milan's lead.
Tijjani Reijnders goal vs. Inter Milan (85th min, Inter Milan 0-3 AC Milan)
Milan are headed for Rome! 🔴⚫
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 23, 2025
Tijjani Reijnders puts the result beyond doubt against Inter and the Coppa Italia final beckons 🏆 pic.twitter.com/EQU3b9e3du
Reijnders adds a third, superb from AC Milan!
AC Milan are enjoying a prolonged period of possession, circulating the ball from right to left just outside of the Inter Milan penalty area, with Leao taking possession on the left wing.
Leao plays the ball into the path of the onrushing Reijndeers inside the box, and the Dutchman fires across goal and into the bottom right corner to add a third.
MAN OF THE MATCH - LUKA JOVIC
© Imago
Many questioned Jovic's inclusion in the starting 11 ahead of the match, especially given Tammy Abraham's record of four goals in three Coppa Italia appearances this term, but the Serbian certainly justified his selection.
Two true poacher's goals secured the victory for AC Milan, sending the Rossoneri into the Coppa Italia final, where they will aim to claim a second domestic trophy this season despite enduring a rather lacklustre league campaign.
The striker not only added the finishing touch to two promising AC Milan moments, but was also a strong presence in their build up play, superbly combining on multiple occasions as the Rossoneri controlled the tie - marking an overall wonderful performance.
INTER MILAN VS. AC MILAN MATCH STATS
Possession: Inter Milan 56%-44% AC Milan
Shots: Inter Milan 16-8 AC Milan
Shots on target: Inter Milan 3-3 AC Milan
Corners: Inter Milan 6-7 AC Milan
Fouls: Inter Milan 7-9 AC Milan
BEST STATS
🇷🇸👀 Luka Jović (27) has 3 goals in his last 5 matches for Milan! ✅
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 23, 2025
Just scored a big goal against rivals Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final. pic.twitter.com/HsUQlpe9bq
WHAT NEXT?
AC Milan's victory secures their place in next month's Coppa Italia final, where they will surely face Bologna, who lead Empoli 3-0 heading into the second leg of their semi-final tie.
Meanwhile, Inter will continue battling for both the Serie A and Champions League trophies, sitting joint-top of the league with Napoli and preparing for a semi-final clash against Barcelona, while AC Milan will hope to salvage their campaign by lifting the Coppa Italia trophy and secure European football in the process.
Ellis Stevens
