Inter Milan 1-0 Juventus: Federico Dimarco strike settles tense tie to send holders into Coppa Italia final

Inter Milan remain on course to defend their Coppa Italia title after they reached the final with a 2-1 aggregate win over Juventus, beating their rivals 1-0 on the night.

Federico Dimarco popped up with another big goal to give the hosts a first-half lead at San Siro and it proved decisive in a forgettable Derby d’Italia.

The Nerazzurri – who defeated Juventus 4-2 in last season’s final – will play either Fiorentina or Cremonese in this year’s showpiece occasion at Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday, May 24.

But it was left wing-back Dimarco who grabbed the game’s opener, his cool toe-poked finish from Nicolo Barella’s ingenious pass in the 15th-minute giving Inter control of the tie.

Juventus, who had Federico Chiesa leading the attack in a ‘false nine’ position, were toothless in attack, a header by defender Mattia De Sciglio their best chance of a ponderous first half.

The visitors never looked like scoring after the restart and, in fact, were fortunate not to be trailing 2-0, Eden Dzeko having a goal ruled out for offside before goalkeeper Mattia Perin made a fine reflex save to keep out Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s effort.

A raft of changes from both sides – including the introduction of Paul Pogba for Juventus – did little to make a difference and in the end Inter held on for a comfortable win.

Inter, who will play AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final, switch their attention back to matters in Serie A when they host Lazio on Sunday, while Juventus travel to Bologna.

Talking point – Uninspiring Juventus offer little and get nothing

With Dusan Vlahovic and Moise Kean missing with injury, Massimilano Allegri opted to play with a false nine rather than a recognised striker, a conservative approach that was designed to frustrate Inter. But when the hosts struck early, the game plan didn’t change – Juventus continued to play with a deep defence line, and lacked the energy and tempo required to get back into the tie. They mustered only five shots, failing to trouble Andre Onana on a night when Allegri’s pragmatism will once again be questioned.

And it’s yet another defeat in a crunch game for the Bianconeri. It’s the story of their season. They have fallen in big Serie A games – most recently to champions-elect Napoli – and were dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage, with the Europa League a potential consolation. But another insipid performance like this and Sevilla – their semi-final opponents – will have no problem in advancing.

Player of the match – Federico Dimarco (Inter)

In a match lacking in quality, Inter’s left wing-back was the brightest spark. Got into dangerous areas with his direct running and turn of pace, delivering a number of key passes, and, of course, scored the night’s only goal.

Player ratings

Inter: Onana 7, Darmian 6, Acerbi 6, Bastoni 6, Dumfries 7, Barella 7, Calhanoglu 6, Mkhitaryan 7, Dimarco 8*, Lautaro Martinez 7, Dzeko 7.. subs: Lukaku 5, Brozovic 5, Gosens N/A, Correa N/A Gagliardini N/A.

Juventus: Perin 7, Bremer 6, Bonucci 5, Alex Sandro 6, De Sciglio 6, Rabiot 5, Locatelli 5, Miretti 6, Kostic 5, Di Maria 5, Chiesa 4.. subs: Milik 6, Paredes 5, Danilo 5, Pogba N/A.

Match highlights

15’ – GOAL! INTER 1-0 JUVENTUS (FEDERICO DIMARCO): Inter are ahead – and it’s another big goal scored by Dimarco! Barella’s through ball is splendid and sets up the wingback, he keeps his cool, poking it into the bottom corner and sending Perin the wrong way.

52’ – GOAL DISALLOWED: Dzeko spins Bremer with a lovely piece of skill before he finds the bottom corner from a tight angle – but the offside flag is raised. Juventus survive another scare.

73’ – FINE SAVE! Dimarco’s free-kick is smashed into the wall and with the rebound Mkhitaryan forces Perin into a fine reflex save!

Key stat