If there were any doubts about Cristian Chivu’s tactical mettle, they were silenced at a rocking San Siro last night. In a match that mirrored the high-octane drama of their recent league meeting, Inter Milan overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Como 1907 3-2, securing their spot in the Coppa Italia final on a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
After a cagey 0-0 draw in the first leg, this return fixture was anything but quiet. For 60 minutes, it looked like Cesc Fabregas’s side was about to pull off the shock of the century.
The Como Dream Starts Strong
Como, the season’s “meteor,” played without fear. Martin Baturina silenced the home crowd in the 32nd minute, finishing a slick move orchestrated by the brilliant Nico Paz. Things went from bad to worse for the Nerazzurri just two minutes into the second half. A lapse in concentration from Piotr Zielinski allowed Paz to feed Lucas Da Cunha, who slotted home from a tight angle to make it 2-0.
With Lautaro Martinez watching from the stands due to injury, Inter looked toothless and frantic. The “Treble” dreams of 2010 felt like a distant memory as the clock ticked down.
The Calhanoglu Catalyst
The comeback began in the 69th minute. Hakan Calhanoglu, the man for the big occasion, unleashed a trademark long-range effort. A slight deflection was all it needed to beat Butez and ignite the San Siro.
Como had a golden chance to kill the tie immediately after, but substitute Assane Diao blinked in a one-on-one situation. It was a mistake they would rue. In the 86th minute, Calhanoglu rose highest to head home an equalizer, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
Sucic’s Late Heroics
With the tie seemingly headed for extra time, Inter’s superior depth proved the difference. In the 89th minute, Petar Sucic—only recently returned from suspension—picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled a magnificent strike into the far corner. From 2-0 down to 3-2 up, the turnaround was complete.
Inter will now head to Rome to face either Atalanta or Lazio in the final, keeping their hopes of a domestic double firmly alive.
