Milan, Inter look to bounce back in last-eight derby cup clash

League leaders AC Milan had been swept away Three-Zero by Atalanta on the San Siro on Saturday, similtaneously second-placed Inter Milan may solely handle a goalless draw at Udinese which leaves them two factors behind their metropolis rivals.

The groups’ star strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku, who’ve every bagged 12 targets this league marketing campaign, each drew a clean on the weekend however will likely be hoping for extra from the second assembly this season between the 2 groups.

Milan’s veteran ahead Ibrahimovic scored a brace the final time they met in a 2-1 league win in October, with Lukaku additionally netting for Inter.

Ibrahimovic returned for Milan this month after seven weeks out injured, scoring a brace in opposition to Cagliari, and is in search of his first Cup purpose of the season.

Lukaku headed in an extra-time winner in opposition to Fiorentina within the final 16, however the Belgium ahead has failed to attain in Inter’s final 4 league video games.

Their trophy hopes now lie on home success after their early European exit.

“Profitable the Scudetto and qualifying for the Champions League can be important for Inter, however the Italian Cup is a trophy that we respect,” stated coach Antonio Conte.

“We can’t be taking it flippantly and can attempt to win, as we all the time do.”

Inter’s final main trophy was the 2011 Italian Cup, whereas Milan — who final received the league that very same 12 months — haven’t tasted success within the competitors since 2003.

Making it by means of to the final 4 by beating such robust opposition on Tuesday can be big after their limp defeat by Atalanta.

“The Italian Cup derby may convey us to the semi-finals however above all it is a chance to instantly flip the web page and keep away from a tough emotional disaster,” stated Milan coach Stefano Pioli.

Holders Napoli are additionally in search of a elevate Thursday as they tackle Serie A newcomers Spezia, who dumped Roma out of the event final week.

Gennaro Gattuso’s facet misplaced the Italian Tremendous Cup to Juventus final week and fell Three-1 at Hellas Verona in Serie A on Sunday.

Juventus, winners of 4 of the final six Italian Cups, tackle the one Serie B facet remaining, SPAL.

Atalanta — whose solely main trophy was the Italian Cup in 1963 — host Lazio, winners in 2019, with the 2 sides set for a return journey once more subsequent weekend within the league.

Winners undergo to a two-legged semi-final on February Three and 10, with the ultimate on Might 19.

Fixtures (all instances GMT)

Tuesday, Jan 26

Inter Milan v AC Milan (1945)

Wednesday, Jan 27

Atalanta v Lazio (1645), Juventus v SPAL (1945)

Thursday, Jan 28

Napoli v Spezia (2000)

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