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On Thursday, the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals between Inter and Sampdoria took place. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but the Milan club had won the first leg 3-0, securing their spot in the final.
These clubs met for the third time in a single week - two matches in the Coppa Italia and one in Serie A.
Before the match, few believed that the Serie A leaders would be able to squander a three-goal advantage at home. This opinion was shared by the team's coach Roberto Mancini, who allowed some substitute players to showcase their skills in this match.
0 - 0
(aggregate score 3-0)
After a dull start to the match, in the 30th minute Inter had a chance to break the deadlock. Santiago Solari passed the ball to Julio Cruz, whose shot just went over the crossbar.
A few minutes later, the same player took another shot at the opponent's goal, but this time Sampdoria goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi saved his team from conceding.
In the first half, J. Cruz managed to put the ball into the net, but the referee disallowed the goal as Fabio Grosso's cross was out of bounds while the ball was still in play.
Sampdoria had their first chance to score in the 55th minute. Cristiano Maggio's shot flew wide of the goal, and shortly after, Emiliano Bonazzoli failed to capitalize on a good pass from his teammate Mirko Pieri.
Both teams had a chance to win the match in extra time, but J. Cruz and Gabio Quagliarella failed to convert their opportunities, and the match ended goalless.
This victory allowed Inter to reach the cup final for the third consecutive year, where their opponent will also be Roma, who defeated Milan in the other semi-final. Inter had won the past two finals and became Coppa Italia champions.
