Most Milan and Inter supporters will affirm one issue if you get them together: the Nerazzurri have a superior team. Even when the Rossoneri defeated their opponents to win the Scudetto the previous year, this was never in doubt. That was demonstrated even more in the Champions League semifinal, as Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan netted goals, and Hakan Calhanoglu struck the woodwork, respectively. Removing these players from Simone Inzaghi’s starting lineup would have been simple.
However, in the first 20 minutes of the game, Stefano Pioli had already lost Ismael Bennacer and Rafael Leao. He turned to Divock Origi, Tommaso Pobega, and Junior Messias as time expired, and they desperately needed a goal.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Inter has won three of their four meetings with its local rivals in Serie A, the Supercoppa Italiana, and the Champions League this season. It is now obvious that their summer signings did not help an already thin squad that injuries only served to intensify. Stefano Pioli has worked marvels with this club to win the Scudetto and reach the last four of Europe’s most coveted events.
AC Milan have eliminated Inter in each of their prior UCL encounters
Despite all that, Inter looked like they were going to run wild in this first leg when they went up 2-0 after just 11 minutes. However, this result is still conceivable if Rafael Leao can play in the second leg. The term “Pazza Inter” was coined for a reason, and this must alarm their fans because nothing with this team can ever be taken for granted.
Inzaghi has always tended to burrow down and try to hold onto a lead in the final 30 minutes, but he started doing so even before halfway through this Euro derby. When it comes down to two legs, that is a horrible approach. They made a rising number of defensive alterations and tactical adjustments rather than pressing harder and thus eliminating Milan’s chances going into Tuesday night. It was harmful because Roberto Gagliardini, who you want to avoid at all costs in those circumstances, had a last-second opportunity to make it 3-0.
Milan once more proved how misguided their approach is. This season, they have faced countless comeback situations and seem to start games with insufferable sluggishness. The Pioli team had always performed better when they were underdogs than when everyone was expecting them to win. They are unquestionably in that predicament coming into the second leg, particularly given that Inter supporters will make up most of the crowd. Notably, Milan has eliminated Inter in each of their prior Champions League meetings.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Age is just a number?
— Berneese (@the_berneese_) May 10, 2023
Ac Milan coming back.. I have seen this movie before.
— Carter (@insanespotter) May 10, 2023
They're getting thrashed by City
— Aymaan (@aymaan_cfc77) May 10, 2023
Chelsea fc needs to learn from InterMilano that old is gold.
— Kevin Onchwary???? (@k_onchwary) May 11, 2023
???
DERBY DELLA MADONNINA
???It's AC Milan ?? Inter in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Doesn't get much bigger than that ?#MilanInter pic.twitter.com/v1oop3bAYd
— SUHAIL_popzian ?? (@TPopzian) May 10, 2023
I don’t see any of these Italian teams defeating Man City in the finals..
— Funky_Fid (@Fidelis32029227) May 10, 2023
Dzeko at 37. Pendu at 37? pic.twitter.com/39VK2yATWO
— Benny Blanco??? (@WBennyblanco) May 11, 2023
WHERE ARE THE HATERS
— Slixx???? (@TheLucasLad) May 10, 2023
