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The second pair of matches of the semi-finals of the Italian Cup took place on Thursday - Serie A mid-table team Cagliari faced off against trophy-chasing Inter Milan, and just like the first semi-final match, this one ended in a 1-1 draw.
1 - 1
50' [1 - 0] Gianfranco Zola
51' [1 - 1] Obafemi Martins
Both teams were active in the first half, but there were no real chances to score - the closest to a goal was E. Cambiasso, whose shot missed the target. Adriano and O. Martins also had unsuccessful attempts, while the hosts had a chance when M. Esposito missed the ball after a pass from A. Langella.
After the break, five minutes into the game, Inter goalkeeper F. Carini made a mistake by catching the ball outside the penalty area, but the referee did not send him off and only showed a yellow card. Nevertheless, veteran G. Zola soon punished the goalkeeper for this error, scoring a penalty goal.
However, Cagliari's advantage lasted just a minute, as a confusion in the penalty area after a corner kick by S. Mihajlovic led to O. Martins quickly getting to the ball and scoring the equalizer. The guests were satisfied with this result, and the match ended in a draw.
Now, ahead of the second leg match at home, Inter has a one-goal advantage from the away goal, and together with Udinese, who have the same advantage in the other pair, they became favorites to compete in the cup final next month.
