AC Milan and Inter played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.
The Rossoneri extended their unbeaten streak against their city rivals to four matches but were left frustrated as Tammy Abraham’s opener was cancelled out by a stunning strike from former Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.
The first real opportunity came in the ninth minute when Joaquin Correa tested Mike Maignan with a powerful low drive, but the Milan captain reacted swiftly to make the save.
Despite Inter’s early dominance, Milan grew into the game and created a golden chance in the 26th minute. Leao danced past Matteo Darmian before unleashing a venomous shot, which was superbly kept out by Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Meanwhile, Maignan continued to showcase his brilliance at the other end, denying efforts from Davide Frattesi and Calhanoglu, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
All square after the first 90 minutes ⚖️#MilanInter #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa #SempreMilan
Brought to you by @Bitpanda_global pic.twitter.com/8Ajs1zhfec— AC Milan (@acmilan) April 2, 2025
The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half when Milan struck. Youssouf Fofana’s pass found Abraham, who outmaneuvered Yann Aurel Bisseck before finishing into the bottom-left corner.
Nicolo Barella forced Maignan into a fine save with a shot in the 49th minute, and their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Calhanoglu produced a moment of magic.
Joaquin Correa set up the Turkish playmaker, who unleashed a thunderous 20-yard drive past Maignan to level the score.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Leao came closest for Milan in the 86th minute, curling an effort just inches wide of the post. Inter had their own chances, with Mkhitaryan and Marcus Thuram testing Maignan.
The match ended 1-1, leaving everything to play for in the second leg on April 23.
