On what proved to be a memorable night at San Siro, AC Milan saw off Inter to advance to the Coppa Italia final.
The Rossoneri secured a 3-0 win in the second leg to advance 4-1 on aggregate, with Luka Jovic scoring either side of half-time before Tijjani Reijnders added a third late on, and so we will go on to play either Bologna or Empoli in the final next month.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Inter: Decisive duo seal superb 3-0 win
Amid ongoing frustration and disappointment with how our Serie A campaign has unfolded, this was a huge win to keep ourselves in the hunt for more silverware this season, and it’s hoped that we can go on to achieve that particular objective.
Credit to Conceicao for winning gameplan
He’s had his critics this season, but Sergio Conceicao continues to deliver in the cup competitions as we aim to add another trophy following our Italian Super Cup success.
From the set-up in terms of the system and how we went about containing Inter, to the man-management skills of lifting his players after the woeful display against Atalanta this past weekend.
The Portuguese tactician isn’t expected to stay beyond this season, but for all the issues and disappointments we’ve experienced, he could leave with quite the trophy record in such a short stint.
Big defensive shift
While we were clinical at one end of the pitch, we had to be resolute, disciplined and organised across the rest of it, and that’s exactly what we got from Milan.
It started with our back three who were resilient and stayed switched on throughout, and the effort and desire shown by those ahead of them set the tone for us to kick on and get the desired outcome.
Milan have conceded too many goals this season as we’ve got the second-worst defensive record of the top 10 sides in the Serie A table, but this was the committed display we needed on a big night.
Jovic the unlikely hero
Many didn’t even expect the Serbian international to start this game with Tammy Abraham widely tipped to replace him, but Conceicao showed faith and gave him another opportunity to make his mark.
Make his mark he did with a decisive brace to fire us into the final, and it’s great to see others make key contributions that will be remembered for a long time given the magnitude of this occasion.
It remains to be seen if he keeps his place for this weekend’s trip to Venezia, but with players ultimately playing for their futures at the club with big changes expected this summer, Jovic picked as good a time as any to make a huge impression.
Reijnders continues to deliver
That’s now 15 goals and four assists in 48 appearances as the 26-year-old continues to shine and emerge as a stand-out star in this Milan side.
The Dutchman has been excellent through our problems, and in addition to the goals and impact in the final third, his work ethic and determination make him a fundamental presence in the team.
It was a joy to see him pop up and wrap up the victory with a fine strike, and it’s hoped that he’s got something left in the tank still to help us secure another trophy.
Chance to salvage something from this season, qualify for Europe
With Milan currently sitting in ninth place in the Serie A standings and in real danger of not qualifying for Europe at all through that avenue, there is so much at stake in the Coppa Italia final.
Winning a trophy is in itself enough motivation, but to also subsequently book our spot in the Europa League next season would be a significant added bonus.
It’s not exactly where we want to be as this club is expected to feature in the Champions League year in and year out, but we’ll certainly take it if our league form continues to be inconsistent and ultimately ends in us falling short of finishing where we need to be to feature in Europe.
