The heated Italian rivals settled for a draw in the opening leg of their semifinal clash
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AC Milan and Inter draw 1-1 in leg one of Coppa Italia semifinalsUSMNT's Pulisic started as No. 10Leg two of tie arrives in late AprilFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
AC Milan and Inter played to a 1-1 draw Wednesday evening in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semifinal. U.S. international Christian Pulisic started for Sergio Conceição’s side, while national team compatriot Yunus Musah was not included in Milan’s squad.
After a tense but scoreless first half, the match came to life in the final 45 minutes.
struck first, with Tammy Abraham finding the net less than two minutes into the second half with a well-taken finish. However, Inter responded midway through the half as Hakan Çalhanoğlu unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike to bring the Nerazzurri level.
With 15 minutes remaining, Pulisic made way for Mexico international Santiago Giménez, as the two CONCACAF stars swapped roles.
Milan had a golden opportunity to snatch the win in the 85th minute when Rafael Leão curled a shot toward goal, but his effort drifted just wide. With that, the first leg ended in a draw.
The two sides will meet again in late April, with the winner advancing to the Coppa Italia final.
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AC Milan have not won the Coppa Italia since the 2002-03 season.
Getty Images SportTHE MVP
Tammy Abraham:
The England international has now scored in every stage of the competition this season, coming up clutch throughout their Coppa Italia run. The 27-year-old scored a delightful goal and was rather effective in the final third throughout his cameo.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Christian Pulisic:
The U.S. international was deployed centrally as an attacking midfielder and struggled without having the width of a winger role like he normally would. Despite completing 13 of 14 passes on the pitch, he registered just 30 touches on the ball and was rather anonymous throughout the evening.
It's tough to pin the entire blame on him, though, as Sergio Conceicao lined him up in a position that does not get the most out of him.