Milan 0 - 0 Inter: goalless stalemate in first leg of Coppa Italia semi - final

MILAN – A cagey first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final between the Milan clubs yielded no goals, leaving it all to play for in the return fixture in April. Given that the away-goal rule still applies in the competition and Inter failed to find the net as the visitors, Stefano Pioli’s side know that a score draw will be enough for them to secure a final berth against Fiorentina or Juventus, while the Nerazzurri will be targeting victory to get through.

While neither side can be thrilled with the result, Inter will reflect on another game in which they failed to find the net, but can take the positives from strong defensive displays by Samir Handanovic, Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni, in particular. There will be time to recharge batteries before the return leg, with the effect of an intense recent schedule clear to see in the Nerazzurri ranks.

The Coppa Italia derby was played at a fast tempo, with tackles flying in, rampaging runs, mistakes aplenty and occasional chances. Inter were back at full strength, while Milan were without the suspended Sandro Tonali. There was a familiar feel to the game, with many similarities visible going back to the two league clashes between the sides. Inter moved the ball with pace, while Milan showed their physical strength and aggression. That frenetic vibe was combined with a desire to do well in what turned into a chaotic first half in which Simone Inzaghi’s side often struggled to get going. There were good moments here and there, while both sides make mistakes, took risks and got it wrong at the last second.

Milan went agonisingly close to taking the lead with ten minutes on the clock when Alexis Saelemaekers picked up possession as Inter tried to bring the ball out and took aim, forcing Handanovic into a fine save. Theo Hernandez tried his luck moments later with a right-footed shot that skimmed the woodwork.

Inter were on the back foot and were unable to cut out routine mistakes when playing out from the back. Switches of play provided the Nerazzurri’s best hope of breaking Milan down, particularly with Edin Dzeko showing his aerial prowess and the Bosnian seemed to have a decent chance to steer a header goalwards only for Alessio Romagnoli to get his head on the cross first.

It wasn’t enough, however, with Mike Maignan not called into action. Up the other end, Rafael Leao looked dangerous down the left, but was up against a resolute Inter rearguard, led by Skriniar who was always in the thick of the action, such as his crucial tackle to deny Rade Krunic.

The second half kicked off in disjoined fashion, with Milan looking to take advantage of any Inter hesitation. Leao forced Handanovic into a fine diving save, while Bastoni had to throw his body in the way of Saelemaekers’s shot from inside the box. There was then a lull as the goalmouth action dried up until the end of the contest, which seemed unsurprising given the unsustainably fast tempo seen in the first half. Both coaches tried to freshen things up with changes from the bench, which included an Inter debut for Robin Gosens in the closing stages.

Alessandro Florenzi and Junior Messias had attempts on goal late on, but neither was particularly dangerous. Ivan Perisic and Denzel Dumfries ran tirelessly until they were replaced with a few minutes left on the clock. Joaquin Correa and Alexis Sanchez were unable to provide the spark that Inter needed as the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final petered out with no goals for either side. It will all be decided in the fourth Milan derby of the season in late April.

AC MILAN 0-0 INTER (HT: 0-0)

MILAN (4-2-3-1): 16 Maignan; 25 Florenzi (2 Calabria, 84), 23 Tomori, 13 Romagnoli (20 Kalulu, 26), 19 Hernandez; 79 Kessie, 4 Bennacer; 56 Saelemaekers (30 Messias, 67), 33 Krunic (10 Diaz, 67), 17 Leao (12 Rebic, 67); 9 Giroud.Subs not used: 1 Tatarusanu, 83 Mirante, 5 Ballo Touré, 22 Lazetic, 27 Maldini, 41 Bakayoko, 46 Gabbia. Coach: Stefano Pioli.

INTER (3-5-2): 1 Handanovic; 37 Skriniar, 6 De Vrij, 95 Bastoni; 2 Dumfries (36 Darmian, 88), 23 Barella (22 Vidal, 65), 77 Brozovic, 20 Calhanoglu, 14 Perisic (18 Gosens, 88); 9 Dzeko (19 Correa, 80), 10 Lautaro (7 Sanchez, 65).Subs not used: 97 Radu, 5 Gagliardini,  8 Vecino, 13 Ranocchia, 32 Dimarco, 33 D'Ambrosio, 88 Caicedo.Coach: Simone Inzaghi.

Booked: Brozovic (I), Lautaro (I).Added time: 1+4.

Referee: Mariani.Assistants: Meli, Alassio.Fourth official: Massimi.VAR: Irrati.Assistant VAR: Giallatini.