With all eyes from across Italy falling on the San Siro, Inter Milan managed to cruise their way to this season’s Coppa Italia final as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against crosstown rivals AC.
Appearing to have found some perfect momentum ahead of their final run of the season, Wednesday’s result means that the Nerazzurri still have their sights set on clinching a domestic double.
As attacking talisman Lautaro Martínez bagged himself a brace, we have taken a look at the main talking points from an enjoyable night at the San Siro.
Inter hit top gear
While Inter fans might have been disappointed to see both Romelu Lukaku and Antonio Conte leave the San Siro last summer, it appears that the Nerazzurri haven’t missed much of a beat under Simone Inzaghi.
Storming their way to an eye-catching 3-0 victory against their bitter local rivals on Wednesday night and hardly asked any questions, it looks like the defending Serie A champions have hit top gear at a crucial time.
Although the former Lazio boss might have been disappointed to have seen his side play out back-to-back stalemates against Fiorentina and Torino prior to March’s international break, they have come roaring back.
Chasing just a two-point deficit to AC in their bid to claim back-to-back domestic crowns this season, Inter have now won each of their last four matchups across all formats.
With many around Italy now believing that the Nerazzurri hold the upper hand as we reach a hectic end to the 2021/22 campaign, Inzaghi will be most impressed by his side’s recent resolve at the back.
Picking up some perfect momentum here, Inter will be desperate to lay down another marker when they face-off against Jose Mourinho’s Roma this weekend.
AC’s defensive run comes to an end
Managing to make a much-needed return to winning ways last weekend with a routine 2-0 victory against relegation scrappers Genoa, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for an inconsistent AC Milan.
Crashing back down to earth on Wednesday night and likely to come under real scrutiny for their 3-0 drumming, Head Coach Stefano Pioli would have been most disappointed to have seen his side’s eye-catching defensive run come to an end.
While the Rossoneri might have shown some extended issues in the final third on either side of March’s international break, they had gained a host of plaudits for a remarkable resilience at the back.
Heading into Wednesday’s second-leg after recording seven domestic clean sheets on the spin, Pioli will know that he must prove that their midweek drumming was just a one-off.
Winning just one of their previous four domestic outings and with Inter now firmly breathing down their neck, AC face a tough end to the season if they’re to lift their first Serie A crown since 2011.
Including a showdown against Lazio this weekend, the Rossoneri also still meetings against the likes of Atalanta and Fiorentina.
Martínez’s purple patch continues
While there might have been much speculation over the past 12 months regarding Lautaro Martínez’s future at the San Siro, the 24-year-old is enjoying a real free-scoring run over recent weeks.
Looking to spearhead Inter’s charge for back-to-back Serie A titles this season, the Argentina international once again impressed on Wednesday night as he bagged himself a first-half brace.
Signing a new deal at the San Siro back in October, Martínez has now recorded seven goals in as many appearances, including a strike away at Premier League giants Liverpool last month.
While Inter’s attacking talisman might not have been able to drag the Nerazzurri into the semi-final of this year’s Champions League, he could be on course to set a domestic-best tally this season.
Including a hat-trick against relegation scrappers Salernitana on March 4th, Martinez has notched 15 Serie A strikes throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
Just a pair of strikes away from matching last year’s tally of 17, could the 24-year-old prove to be the key man for Inter at the back end of the season?
Match Report:
Inter Milan: Handanovic, Skriniar, de Vrij, Bastoni, Perisic, Calhanoglu, Brozovic, Barella, Darmian, Martinez, Correa
Subs: Vidal, Sanchez, Gosens, Dzeko, D’Ambrosio
AC Milan: Maignan, Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Hernandez, Tonali, Bennacer, Saelemaekers, Kessie, Leoa, Giroud
Subs: Diaz, Gabbia, Krunic, Lazetic, Messias
Goals: Martinez 4′, 40′, Gosens 82′
Yellow Cards: Inter Milan: Skriniar – AC Milan: Hernandez
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Maurizio Mariani
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