Luka Jovic scores twice as AC Milan shock Inter to reach Coppa Italia final

Luka Jovic netted two goals as AC Milan triumphed over their fierce rivals Inter Milan for the third time this season, securing a place in the Coppa Italia final with a decisive 3-0 victory in the semi-final second leg, effectively ending Inter's aspirations of replicating their 2010 treble success.

Inter seems to have finally regained their status among Europe's top teams this season, but the upcoming week will be pivotal in assessing their true position.

With a UEFA Champions League semi-final and a fierce Serie A title race against SSC Napoli ahead, they started with the challenging task of this second leg against Milan, where they initially appeared strong and in good form.

Matteo Darmian narrowly missed the far post following an impressive run down the right flank, while Federico Dimarco's similar advance on the opposite side resulted in a powerful strike that hit Mike Maignan's crossbar.

The best opportunity of the half for the hosts seemed to fall to the right player, but Lautaro Martinez's first touch after Medhi Taremi's header was inadequate, causing him to send the ball over the bar.

Despite a lack of clear chances, Milan effectively contested the midfield, so it was perhaps expected that they would capitalize on their city rivals' missed opportunities with a goal at San Siro in the 36th minute.

Tijjani Reijnders' excellent build-up play set up Alex Jimenez, who delivered a cross for Jovic, allowing him to leap and power his header past Josep Martinez.

Inter had managed to respond well to equalize at 1-1 after falling behind in the first leg, but Milan had evidently learned from their mistakes. Just four minutes into the second half, they extended their lead, with Jovic scoring his second from close range after a corner from Theo Hernandez deflected off Nicolo Barella.

Significant alterations were made by Simone Inzaghi, yet his team lacked the necessary drive to alter the outcome, despite Stefan de Vrij's powerful header being expertly denied by Maignan.

Their attempts to mount a comeback were ultimately futile as Sérgio Conceição's squad secured a third goal before the final whistle. A swift play saw Rafael Leao assist Reijnders, who calmly finished under the goalkeeper, securing his team's spot in the final.

The Rossoneri are set to face either Empoli or, more likely, Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico, aiming to claim this trophy for the first time since 2003 and enhance their Supercoppa Italiana achievements amidst a generally disappointing season.

For Inter, a second consecutive loss raises concerns about future performances, with challenging matches against the in-form AS Roma and Champions League contenders Barcelona on the horizon.