Inter Milan moved into the semifinals of the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 comeback victory over AC Milan on Tuesday, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the Rossoneri ahead before being sent off, while Christian Eriksen came off the bench to score the winner deep into stoppage time.
It was the second clash between the city-rivals this season as AC Milan won the first tie 2-1 in Serie A with Ibrahimovic’s double.
The Diavolo missed Mario Mandzukic, Sandro Tonali, Pierre Kalulu and a suspended Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Inter had a relatively full squad to choose from.
Milan created a genuine chance minutes into the game as Theo Hernandez pulled back for Rafael Leao to drill just inches wide, before Brahim Diaz failed to get on the end of Ibrahimovic’s pass.
The Rossoneri went ahead in the 31st minute as Ibrahimovic collected the ball on the edge of the box, taking a few touches before drilling through Aleksandar Kolarov’s legs and seeing the ball go in off the post.
Alessio Romagnoli’s tackle on Romelu Lukaku sparked a mass brawl before the interval, with former Manchester United teammates Lukaku and Ibrahimovic booked for their involvement.
Milan had to do without Ibrahimovic from the 58th minute onwards, when the Swede collected his second yellow after a mistimed challenge on Kolarov.
The red card proved to be a turning point, as Inter equalized in the 71st minute after Lukaku scored a penalty earned by Nicolo Barella.
There was then an unusual scenario as referee Paolo Valeri picked up injury during play and had to be replaced by fourth official Daniele Chiffi.
After several waves of attack, Inter completed the comeback in the 97th minute when Eriksen curled his free-kick into the net, leaving goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu stranded.
Inter will now face either Juventus or SPAL in the semifinals.
