Coppa Italia wrap: Milan duo make semis

Defending champions Inter Milan advanced to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia with victory over Napoli in a penalty shootout on Wednesday.

Leonardo’s men could not penetrate the Napoli defence in regulation or extra time, meaning penalties were required to split the two Serie A outfits.

Both sides netted their first two attempts from the spot, but it was Napoli’s Ezequiel Lavezzi who cracked first under the pressure when he fired his spot kick wide.

Inter converted three more penalties to win the shootout 5-4.

AC Milan’s Alexandre Pato scored a brace in the space of five first-half minutes in his side’s 2-1 victory over Sampdoria.

Stefano Guberti pulled a goal back for the hosts at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the 51st minute but they could not find an equaliser, sending Massimiliano Allegri’s side into the final four of the Italian cup competition.

Palermo qualified for the semi-finals on Tuesday, while Juventus and Roma will do battle on Thursday for the final place in the last four.