Inter Milan fight back to secure 1-1 draw against AC Milan in Coppa Italia semi-final

Inter Milan came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday, with second-half goals from Tammy Abraham and Hakan Calhanoglu setting up an intriguing second leg.

Abraham put Milan ahead shortly after halftime with a precise angled shot into the bottom corner, but Inter responded in the 67th minute through a stunning long-range strike from Calhanoglu.

Serie A leaders Inter, who face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals next week, remain in contention for their first treble in 15 years. Meanwhile, Milan, currently ninth in Serie A and five points adrift of the European qualification spots, see the Coppa Italia as their best route into next season’s Europa League.

Inter, playing without injured striker Lautaro Martinez, dominated possession early on, but both teams took time to settle into the match. Rafael Leao had a golden opportunity for Milan in the 26th minute, but Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez denied him at a tight angle. Moments later, Calhanoglu tested Milan’s Mike Maignan with a powerful free kick, and the French keeper made another crucial save to keep out a Davide Frattesi header just before halftime.

Milan struck first in the 47th minute when Abraham latched onto a well-timed pass from Youssouf Fofana at the edge of the box, weaving past the Inter defense before slotting home a low finish.

Inter responded with increased attacking pressure, and their persistence paid off when Calhanoglu equalized 20 minutes later with a brilliant first-time strike.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan came close to giving Inter the lead late in the game, while Milan's Leao fired a spectacular effort just wide in the final moments.

Nine-time winners Inter last lifted the Coppa Italia in 2023, while Milan’s most recent triumph came in 2003. In the other semi-final, Bologna secured a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory over Empoli on Tuesday.

SportsLigue