MILAN, Feb 1: Matteo Darmian fired holders Inter Milan into the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia as the Nerazzurri ground out a 1-0 victory over Atalanta at San Siro on Tuesday.
Inter lifted the Supercoppa Italiana by thumping rivals Milan in Saudi Arabia earlier in January, but their chances of retaining the Coppa Italia trophy were put to the test by an Atalanta side previously unbeaten in six games in all competitions.
Unlikely hero Darmian popped up with a well-taken winner in the 57th minute to see Inter through to the final four for a fourth successive campaign.
With the likes of Milan and Napoli already out of the competition, Inter will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy for a ninth time.
The first half lacked clear-cut chances, though Hakan Calhanoglu nearly put Inter ahead when his dipping long-range effort crashed off the post with Juan Musso beaten.
Duvan Zapata then missed a golden opportunity for Atalanta just before the break, heading over after Joakim Maehle’s excellent delivery picked him out. Maehle nearly turned from provider to finisher after the break, but his sidefooted effort flew over after Andre Onana failed to deal with a cross.
Atalanta were made to pay for that miss shortly after, as Darmian stroked a left-footed shot into the bottom right-corner when Lautaro Martinez deftly set him up.
Jeremie Boga fizzed a shot just wide as the visitors searched for an equaliser, while substitute Ademola Lookman saw a low effort saved by Onana.
Atalanta pressed late on, but Inter held firm to see out the remaining minutes and edge a step nearer to another final. These teams return to Serie A action at the weekend, with Atalanta travelling to face Sassuolo on Saturday while Inter play city rivals Milan at San Siro the following day.(Agencies)
