Inter have sealed a first Champions League final berth since 2010 thanks to a battling 1-0 semifinal second leg San Siro win over rivals Milan.
Simone Inzaghi’s side superbly managed the pressure of holding a 2-0 first leg lead, on a feisty night in Milan, as the Nerazzurri booked their spot in the Istanbul showpiece on June 10.
Inter nullified returning Milan talisman Rafael Leao, as Brahim Diaz wasted the best early chance for Milan to potentially spark a comeback.
Inzaghi’s Inter channelled the spirit of Jose Mourinho’s winning side in 2010, as they stayed resilient after the restart, to squeeze Milan out of the contest.
Lautaro Martinez was rewarded for a night of battling against the Milan defence, as the Inter captain ruthlessly buried Romelu Lukaku’s pass in the closing stages.
Inter will head to the final as underdogs, up against either Manchester City or defending champions Real Madrid, but their grit and organisation will ensure the final is a battle in Istanbul.
MORE: When is the UEFA Champions League final in 2023? Date, time and stadium
Inter Milan vs AC Milan final score
Goals:
INT — Martinez (Lukaku) — 74th Min
Lineups:
Inter (3-5-2, right to left): Onana (GK) — Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni — Dumfries, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Barella, Dimarco — Martinez, Dzeko
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan (GK) — Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Hernandez — Tonali, Krunic — Messias, Diaz, Leao — Giroud
Inzaghi’s plan secures Champions League final spot
Inter’s superb 2-0 first leg win gave manager Simone Inzaghi a fantastic platform to build on in the return fixture, but the doubt of a Milan comeback will have been on his mind.
An early blitz shocked Milan in the first clash, as goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan put Inter 2-0 up inside the first 15 minutes, with Stefano Pioli’s side rocked.
The temptation to be more cautious in his lineup was rejected, as the former Italian international stuck with the same starting XI for both games, and resisted the urge to contain.
Despite not creating as many chances as the first tie, Inzaghi’s faith was a key inspiration for his players, diligently working overtime, in and out of possession, to ensure no slip-ups.
The graft of Martinez, and the experienced nous of Dzeko are crucial for Inter in attack, but Inzaghi’s firmness over backing Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco to take the next step has reaped rewards.
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2023
Acerbi’s journeyman path winds towards Istanbul
Inzaghi will be happy to play the underdog card en route to the final, and no player represents the collective of Inter better than veteran centre-back Francesco Acerbi.
Signed on loan from Inzaghi’s former side Lazio at the start of 2022/23, the 35-year-old was brought in as cover for the long campaign ahead, and he has become a cornerstone of the team.
Milan Skriniar’s injury left a hole in the Inter backline, and Acerbi has stepped up, with five clean sheets from six Champions League knockout games, as the anchor in between Matteo Darmian and Alessandro Bastoni.
Francesco Acerbi’s game by numbers vs. Milan:
76% pass accuracy
5 aerial duels won
5 clearances
3 long balls completed
2 shots
2 ground duels won
1 block
1 tackle wonSolid. 🧱 pic.twitter.com/2lj4jnsrbI
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 16, 2023
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been vital for Inter, but the warrior Acerbi in front of him has relished the challenges of AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos in 2023.
The prospect of a penalty box battle with Erling Haaland or Karim Benzema will not phase a defender who has won his battles on and pitch in recent seasons — including a return to action following a cancer diagnosis in 2013 — as he faces an unexpected final role.
Can Inzaghi stop Man City or Real Madrid?
As the San Siro dust settles, Inzaghi will set about planning for the final and answering the key question — can Inter upset the odds in Istanbul?
Whoever comes through the other semifinal will be strong favourites to clinch the trophy, be it Pep Guardiola’s City, or Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions.
However. Inzaghi will remain stoic in his principles, with the Onana/Acerbi defensive axis crucial to a structured Inter in Istanbul.
André Onana’s career record against Milan:
◉ 4 games
◉ 4 wins
◉ 0 defeats
◉ 0 goals concededThe cleanest sheets in Milan. 🛏 pic.twitter.com/6leNa1fUY6
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 16, 2023
Their 2023 Champions League clean sheet record is better than City and Real Madrid’s, despite not being able to match their attacking verve.
Restricting AC Milan to just three shots on target, across 180 Champions League semifinal minutes shows their ability to dig in, but they will need Dzeko or Martinez to take the few chances they are likely to have in the final.
Inter Milan vs AC Milan highlights from Champions League semifinal second leg
Final: Inter Milan 1-0 AC Milan
INTER ARE GOING TO ISTANBUL!!!!
Martinez’s goal clinches a 3-0 aggregate victory and Inzaghi’s side are through to their first Champions League final since 2010!!
WE’RE IN THE FINAAAAAAAAAAL 😱😍🙏😎⚽🤪🤩🏟️✈️🌍🥹🤯🫠😵💫😝🖤💙#ForzaInter #InterMilan #UCL pic.twitter.com/pf8NmRDQyB
— Inter (@Inter_en) May 16, 2023
Over to you……Manchester City and Real Madrid!
90 mins: Three minutes added on!
Inter almost work a second goal as Lukaku’s volley is beaten away by Maignan!
86 mins: Inzaghi does not want any suspensions for the final and Barella and Martinez are off for Roberto Gagliardini and Joaquin Correa.
84 mins: Calhangolu is caught late and there’s a melee here – booking for Fikayo Tomori, Krunic and Martinez.
82 mins: This starting to get nasty as Barella and Tonali are both booked for a tussle.
80 mins: Double change from Pioli as Divock Origi and Alexis Saelemaekers come on for Messias and Diaz.
Martinez almost gets through again from Acerbi’s clearance but Maignan tips over the bar.
⏱️ 76′
More subs 🔄#UCL #InterMilan 1-0 #SempreMilan #RednBlack@oppoitalia pic.twitter.com/F3GaT5UQKX— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 16, 2023
74 MINS: GOAL.……INTER ARE HEADING TO ISTANBUL!!!
Inter are one the road to their first final since 2010 as Martinez fires them in front!!!
Superb hold up play from Lukaku, he slips in the Argentinian…..behind a sleeping Milan defence, and Maignan is beaten at his near post.
*Video available in UK
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2023
*Video available in USA
— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) May 16, 2023
*Video available in Asia
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 16, 2023
INTER 1 MILAN 0……..INTER 3 MILAN ON AGGREGATE!
71 mins: Almost a half chance for Milan, as Leao wins a header inside the box, but Onana is there before Diaz.
70 mins: Leao switches to the right, and looks to trick his way through, but Acerbi stands his ground and makes the block.
68 mins: It’s Lukaku time for Inter!!
Dzeko and Dimarco are done for the night and Romelu Lukaku and Robin Gosens are on for Inter.
Dzeko and Dimarco off, Lukaku and Gosens on 🔁#InterMilan 0-0 (66′) #ForzaInter #UCL
— Inter (@Inter_en) May 16, 2023
65 mins: Thiaw is struggling, after pulling up in a race with Dzeko, and Pierre Kalulu is on to replace him.
⏱️ 64′
First change of the night 🔄#UCL #InterMilan 0-0 #SempreMilan #RednBlack@oppoitalia pic.twitter.com/ITAJ9kdD5H— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 16, 2023
60 mins: Diaz swings a deep cross into the box, and Dumfries does well to block off Leao.
More fouls….more delays…..and Inter are 30 minutes away from Istanbul.
55 mins: There is the first card of the night, as Thiaw cynically pulls back Martinez. Dzeko lines one up from distance….well off target from the Bosnian.
50 mins: Inter have started the second half brightly, as Martinez’s flick almost feds in Federico Dimarco, but Milan clear.
Calhanoglu is caught by Davide Calabria…….still no booking.
46 mins: The match is back underway.
⏱️ 46′
Back underway. Believe. 🙏#UCL #InterMilan 0-0 #SempreMilan #RednBlack pic.twitter.com/zy5yBmNWji— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 16, 2023
Halftime: Inter Milan 0-0 AC Milan
All square at the break in Milan, despite chances at both ends of the San Siro, with Diaz and Dzeko denied first-half openers.
It remains advantage Inter as Inzaghi’s side could be just 45 minutes away from a first Champions League final since 2010.
Goalless at the break ⏸️#InterMilan 0-0 (HT) #ForzaInter #UCL pic.twitter.com/wFF3C8hNdV
— Inter (@Inter_en) May 16, 2023
45 mins: Three minutes added on.
44 mins: Mkhitaryan has picked up an injury off the ball and he’s replaced by Marcelo Brozovic.
We’re forced into a change: Mkhi is replaced by Brozo 🔁#InterMilan 0-0 (43′) #ForzaInter #UCL
— Inter (@Inter_en) May 16, 2023
40 mins: BRILLIANT STOP FROM MAIGNAN!!!
Hakan Calhaoglu’s free kick is flicked on by Dzeko but Maignan pulls off an wonder stop!
*Video available in Asia
What a reaction save from Mike Maignan! 🧤#beINUCL #UCL pic.twitter.com/tgioNgaseE
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) May 16, 2023
*Video available in USA
— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) May 16, 2023
Inter’s corner is eventually worked to Martinez, but he slips, and fires over.
37 mins: Milan FINALLY get Leao on the ball, as he steams past Darmian and Acerbi, but his low effort flashes just wide of Onana’s post!
*Video available in UK
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2023
*Video available in USA
Rafael Leão with a brilliant piece of skill and nearly makes it 1-0. 😲 pic.twitter.com/lnXsh8b2Je
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 16, 2023
35 mins: The fouls continue to rack up, but Clement Turpin is opting for caution over first half bookings.
30 mins: No goals at the half hour mark, as Inter grow into game, and THAT Diaz chance is the only real opening so far.
26 mins: Dumfries beats Hernandez down Inter’s right, but Malick Thiaw clears in front of the waiting Martinez.
25 mins: Hernandez slides in to make an important block on Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the Armenian scoops the rebound over.
Foul after foul here…..a yellow card is incoming for someone.
23 mins: Clever play from Lautaro Martinez, to ease a spell of Milan pressure, as the Argentinian is clipped by Tonali.
18 mins: The pace has dipped slightly……it was 2-0 at this stage last week!
12 mins: HUGE chance for Milan, as Tonali bursts into the box, cuts back for Brahim Diaz, but his scuffed effort is straight at Onana!
*Video available in UK
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2023
*Video available in USA
André Onana with a huge save. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/YA5bYqzE6a
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 16, 2023
Play swings to the other end, as Denzel Dumfries cushions a cross back to Barella…..Maignan saves and the offside flag is up!
11 mins: Olivier Giroud beats Andre Onana to Junior Messias’ back post cross but Matteo Darmian is on duty to head over his own bar!
9 mins: Inter win the ball in midfield, and feed in Barella, but his wild effort is way over the bar!
5 mins: Federico Dimarco’s cross is won in the air by Nicolo Barella, against Sandro Tonali. Edin Dzeko’s snapshot is repelled by Mike Maignan….but the whistle goes for a foul by Barella.
Milan work a free kick short and Theo Hernandez hammers one over the bar!
KICKOFF: INTER VS MILAN…..THE SAN SIRO ERUPTS!
FORZA MILAAAAN! ❤️🖤#RednBlack #UCL #InterMilan #SempreMilan
Brought to you by @oppoitalia pic.twitter.com/VmNquladbq— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 16, 2023
5 mins from kickoff: Inzaghi is aiming to join an exclusive club tonight AND set a new record for Inter.
🤝 Simone Inzaghi can become the fifth Italian manager to take an Italian team to the Champions League final:
Marcello Lippi – Juventus (x4)
Fabio Capello – Milan (x3)
Carlo Ancelotti – Milan (x3)
Massimiliano Allegri – Juventus (x2)#UCL pic.twitter.com/rM3cmErusI— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) May 16, 2023
15 mins from kickoff: Leao has been Milan’s talisman this season — can he turn the San Siro tide?
Rafael Leão has been directly involved in more goals in all competitions than any other Milan player this season (23).
Back in the starting XI. 😤 pic.twitter.com/VDBltR1SOe
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 16, 2023
25 mins from kickoff: Can Simone ’23 match Jose in 2010, if Inter reach the final?
The last time Inter Milan made the Champions League final this ICONIC moment happened 🤯
Will they run it back? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/MuECDpLPFx
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 16, 2023
40 mins from kickoff: A HUGE night on the horizon in Milan!
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2023
1 hr from kickoff: TEAM NEWS IS IN!!
Inter are UNCHANGED from the first leg as Inzaghi keeps faith with the same XI from last week!
Here. We. Go. 👇#ForzaInter #InterMilan #UCL pic.twitter.com/WrDVqNHsqi
— Inter (@Inter_en) May 16, 2023
Three changes for Milan, as Stefano Pioli reshuffles with Malick Thiaw preferred to veteran Simon Kjaer in defence. Rafael Leao and Junior Messias both start, in place of the injured Ismael Bennacer and the benched Alexis Saelemaekers.
Team news for #InterMilan 📋#RednBlack #UCL #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/jj2SAAGSUc
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 16, 2023
1 hr 15 mins from kickoff: Federico Dimarco has been ON FIRE for Inter in the 2022/23 Champions League – with five assists – can he be the key man again tonight?
5 – Federico #Dimarco has provided the joint-most assists in Champions League this season: 5, level with Vinícius Júnior. Specialist.#InterMilan #UCL pic.twitter.com/n3vYd6Xa4T
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 16, 2023
1 hr 30 mins from kickoff: Inter could be just 90 minutes away from a first Champions League final in over a decade, and first leg hero Dzeko has his eye on an Istanbul reunion with Man City.
🗣️ “I wish!” 😅
Inter Milan’s Edin Dzeko would love to face his former team Manchester City in the Champions League final 🏆 pic.twitter.com/DJja3r3Z8D
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 11, 2023
1 hr 45 mins from kickoff: Despite boasting a 2-0 lead, Inazghi is rallying his players for a historical night, at the San Siro!
🗣 “That’s going to be one of the most important matches in the century long history of Inter.”
Simone Inzaghi understands how big the occasion is, with Inter Milan’s eyes set on a Champions League final 🏆 pic.twitter.com/l6L4eYZg6N
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 15, 2023
2 hrs from kickoff: Leao is BACK for Milan!!
Portuguese star Rafael Leao missed the first leg through injury but he is set to return to the starting line up tonight. Just the 13 goals and 11 assists for the 23-year-old in 2022/23…
AC Milan forward Rafael Leão trained this morning and will start against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final second leg tomorrow ⚽✅ pic.twitter.com/oYeN4riel0
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 16, 2023
Inter Milan vs AC Milan lineups
Inzaghi praised his side after their ruthless first-leg win, and he sticks with the same starting team for this fixture for the reverse tie.
Inter projected starting lineup (3-5-2): Onana (GK) — Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni — Dumfries, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Barella, Dimarco — Martinez, Dzeko
Inter subs (12): Handanovic (GK), De Vrij, Correa, Brozovic, Gagliardini, Lukaku, Gosens, Bellanova, Asllani, Cordaz, D’Ambrosio, Stankovic
Leao’s return is huge boost for Milan, with Alexis Saelemaekers dropping out. Junior Messias replaces the injured Ismael Bennacer in a rotated midfield, with Brahim Diaz retained.
Malick Thiaw comes into the defence in place of Simon Kjaer.
Milan projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan (GK) — Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Hernandez — Tonali, Krunic — Messias, Diaz, Leao — Giroud
Milan subs (12): Nava (GK), Kalulu, Kjaer, Origi, Toure, Rebic, Florenzi, Pobega, Gabbia, Saelemaekers, Mirante, De Ketelaere
MORE: AC Milan vs Inter Milan history head to head: Record across all competitions
Inter Milan vs AC Milan live stream, TV channel
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | CBS, Univision, TUDN | Fubo, Paramount+, ViX+, TUDN site/app |
| UK | BT Sport 1 | BT Sport site/app |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| Hong Kong | — | beIN Sports Connect |
| India | — | JioTV, Sony LIV |
| Malaysia | — | beIN Sports Connect |
| New Zealand | — | Spark Sport |
| Singapore | — | beIN Sports Connect |
USA: This match will be televised on CBS (English) and Univision and TUDN (Spanish), with each broadcast streamed on Fubo. Paramount+ will carry the English-language stream for subscribers, as will ViX+ in Spanish.
Canada: Every Champions League game streams live on DAZN.
UK: The match will be broadcast on BT Sport 1 and streamed on BT Sport platforms.
Australia: Every UEFA Champions League match streams ad-free on Stan Sport, live and on demand.
English
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