USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan settle for lackluster draw vs. Milan in opening leg of Coppa Italia semifinals 2025 best
USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan Settle for Lackluster Draw vs. Inter in Opening Leg of Coppa Italia Semifinals
The highly anticipated first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals between AC Milan and Inter Milan ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, with both sides failing to assert dominance in a match that lacked attacking flair. Despite the excitement surrounding the Derby della Madonnina, USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan settle for lackluster draw vs. Milan in opening leg of Coppa Italia semifinals 2025 best the game was marred by a lack of creativity and missed opportunities, leaving the tie wide open heading into the second leg.
Match Summary
While both teams had moments of promise, neither was able to fully capitalize, leading to a result that leaves everything to play for in the return fixture.
- First Half Action:
- AC Milan took an early lead in the 17th minute when Rafael Leão found the net with a precise finish, assisted by Theo Hernández.
- USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan settle for lackluster draw vs. Milan in opening leg of Coppa Italia semifinals 2025 best
- Christian Pulisic played a dynamic role on the right flank, providing energy but struggling to break down Inter’s well-structured defense.
- Inter Milan responded with a few counterattacks, but Mike Maignan stood firm in goal to deny Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Barella.
- The tempo slowed as both teams focused on defensive stability rather than pushing for a decisive advantage.
- Second Half Developments:
- Inter Milan gained more control after halftime, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu dictating play in midfield.
- The equalizer arrived in the 64th minute when Marcus Thuram capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home a well-placed shot.
- Pulisic attempted to create chances but was often isolated and unable to make a significant impact in the final third.
- USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan settle for lackluster draw vs. Milan in opening leg of Coppa Italia semifinals 2025 best
- Late-game efforts from Olivier Giroud and Henrikh Mkhitaryan went off target, as both teams settled for a draw.
Key Takeaways
- Lack of Offensive Sharpness: Both teams struggled to generate clear-cut opportunities, leading to a low-energy contest.
- Pulisic’s Quiet Performance: While active in buildup play, the USMNT star was unable to provide a game-changing moment.
- USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan settle for lackluster draw vs. Milan in opening leg of Coppa Italia semifinals 2025 best
- Second Leg Decider: With the tie still level, both sides will need to step up their attacking intent in the return fixture.
Manager Reactions
- AC Milan’s Stefano Pioli: “We had control early on but should have done more in the final third. The second leg will require a more aggressive approach.”
- USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan settle for lackluster draw vs. Milan in opening leg of Coppa Italia semifinals 2025 best
- Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi: “We showed resilience to come back. Now, we must be sharper in the second leg to secure our place in the final.”
Looking Ahead
With everything still on the line, USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan settle for lackluster draw vs. Milan in opening leg of Coppa Italia semifinals 2025 best Milan and Inter will head into the second leg knowing that a win is essential.
AC Milan will hope for a stronger attacking display from Pulisic and Leão, while Inter will aim to capitalize on their midfield control. USMNT’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan settle for lackluster draw vs. Milan in opening leg of Coppa Italia semifinals 2025 best The return match promises to be a crucial showdown as both teams chase a spot in the Coppa Italia final.
