Inter overcame Juventus on Wednesday as their quest for a ninth Coppa Italia crown continued in front of a boisterous San Siro crowd.
Simone Inzaghi hailed Inter for playing as a “real team” after the Nerazzurri battled past Juventus to reach the Coppa Italia final.
Federico Dimarco’s first-half strike proved the difference as Inter beat Juve 1-0 at the San Siro on Wednesday to secure a 2-1 aggregate triumph in the semi-final tie.
The win kept Inter’s Coppa defense alive as they beat Juve in last year’s final, while the Nerazzurri are also in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals – where they will face fierce rivals Milan.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side offered little in a performance in stark contrast to the fiery first leg, and Inzaghi believes his side were good value for their triumph.
“It was an intense match from start to finish, we deserved to go to the final,” the Inter coach told Mediaset.
“We are very happy, we wanted to go back to Rome [at the Stadio Olimpico for the final on May 24].”
Inter outclassed Allegri’s visitors in every department, with Juve mustering just 0.15 expected goals to the Nerazzurri’s 1.19.
It also marked Inter’s first Coppa semi-final victory over Juve in six attempts as the Nerazzurri reached the last four in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2009 and 2011.
“They were very good, they had a great race tonight,” Inzaghi said of his players. “We didn’t lose a yard against a strong team, we stayed united and compact, we were a real team.
“Whoever came in played their part. I take away a lot of excellent points.”
Dimarco was a hero in front of the home crowd, scoring his fifth goal in all competitions this season – only Achraf Hakimi (seven in 2020-21) has managed more among Inter defenders in the last 10 seasons.
However, the Inter left-back was quick to share his praise, citing his team-mates’ will to fight as a driving factor in their success.
Asked what the difference is for Inter, Dimarco told Mediaset: “There are no secrets. In this group, everyone is fighting for the jersey and to show what they are worth.”
“We played a great game. It was what we wanted and we got it with a good win.”
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