AC MILAN v INTER: MATCH PREVIEW | OneFootball

Coach Conceição's AC Milan are ready to face Simone Inzaghi's Inter in the 2024/25 Coppa Italia semi-finals, with tonight's first-leg clash scheduled for 21:00 CEST at San Siro. Coach Conceição's side are ready to face Inzaghi's one for a vital match, with both teams looking to progress to the final. Today, it's all about the Coppa Italia, and here's our Match Preview to introduce the clash.

LATEST FROM MILANELLO The Rossoneri have fared well against Inter this season - two wins and a draw - but they're also coming into this derby clash on the back of a league defeat to Napoli. After getting the better of Sassuolo and Roma in the previous rounds of the Coppa Italia, Conceição's men are hoping to make the most of home advantage in the first act of this cup tie to put themselves in a good position heading into the second leg on 23 April. Compared to the match at the Maradona, both Yunus Musah (who missed out through suspension) and Malick Thiaw (who missed out through illness) are available again. Both the US international and German could start in a line-up that might also include Rafa Leão and Santiago Gimenez, both of whom are ready to offer a threat in attack alongside Christian Pulisic.

"The derby is always an important game for everyone given the context, even if the two teams are in different form. We want to produce a good performance against a very strong and solid side," said Sérgio Conceição. "The group is doing well, and they are all available. I like to take it day by day in order to try and improve the team. The team's relationship is great, as was clear in the second half against Napoli. We haven't had a lot of time to work, and we need to start strongly to reach our aim, which is winning."

LATEST FROM INTER The Nerazzurri head into this cross-city clash having eliminated Udinese and Lazio (two 2-0 wins) in the previous rounds. Inzaghi's men are currently on a five-game winning run across Serie A and the Champions League, with their last defeat arriving against Juventus on 16 February. Inter have shown solidity and the ability to manage games, but they still need to prove themselves defensively in the biggest matches and are currently dealing with a few absences. Inzaghi has limited options in attack - both Taremi and captain Lautaro Martínez are out - and, in midfield, will also have to make do without Asllani (suspended) and Dumfries (injured). Bastoni is set to return after serving a league suspension, while Josep Martínez could play between the sticks instead of Sommer.

"It's the Coppa Italia semi-finals, the derby. We really want to produce a big performance against a high-quality side," said Simone Inzaghi in his pre-match press conference. "We know that we've had some difficulties against AC Milan this season, especially in the first match. Games are sometimes impacted by certain episodes, and that's where an organised and experienced team must make the difference. AC Milan are strong, possess quality and, in individual matches, have troubled everyone. We'll need to be very focused because they can always create problems."

PRE-MATCH NUMBERS

WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN v INTER In Italy, AC Milan v Inter will be broadcast on Canale 5. To watch it in a different country, you can check out the "Where to Watch AC Milan on TV" section under "Abroad". On the Rossoneri's channels, matchday coverage on Milan TV will begin at 20:15 CEST, leading up to kick-off, followed by interviews and a press conference with Sérgio Conceição. Don't miss our coverage on acmilan.com, the AC Milan Official App, our social media channels and WhatsApp.

LATEST FROM COPPA ITALIA The match at San Siro will be refereed by Michael Fabbri. It's the first time he's been assigned to this match in his career, and it'll be the third time he's taken charge of the Rossoneri this season, after previously refereeing the draws against Cagliari and Roma. Preti and Baccini will be Fabbri's assistants, while Ayroldi will perform the role of fourth official. Abisso, assisted by Di Bello, will oversee VAR.

AC Milan v Inter is the second Coppa Italia Frecciarossa semi-final first-leg clash to be played this week. Yesterday, it finished Empoli 0-3 Bologna in Tuscany. The return legs will take place after Easter weekend: Inter v AC Milan is scheduled for Wednesday 23 April, after which Bologna will face Empoli at the Dall'Ara on Thursday 24 April. The final will take place on Wednesday 14 May at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

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