An Italian club will participate in the Champions League final for the first time in six years as Milan and Inter progressed to set up a two-legged Derby della Madonnina showdownin the last four of the competition.
The enthralling prospect of two more Milan derbies at the highest level of European football became a reality this week as the Rossoneri drew at Napoli to clinch a 2-1 aggregate victory, while the Nerazzurri advanced 5-3 over two ties with Benfica after a six-goal stalemate at San Siro.
Whether it marks a new era of continental success for Serie A clubs is yet to be determined. Nonetheless it’s a promising development amid a succession of scandals off the field this season.
Here are three talking points from the second leg quarter-final ties in the Champions League this week.
Red hot Pioli gets it right for Milan
There were fireworks outside the Milan hotel and deplorable racist chants aimed at star winger Rafael Leão ahead of the Rossoneri’s eventful draw at Napoli which secured a Champions League semi-final place.
When everything was said and done the Milan squad were singing the praises of coach Stefano Pioli in the away changing room at Stadio Diego Maradona. With his team compact at the back and set up for a speedy change of gear on the transition, the 57-year-old showed his tactical nous again as Milan outmanoeuvred the Partenopei.
While many doubted that Pioli’s side could contain the Serie A leaders, they absorbed lengthy spans of pressure and countered in devastating fashion. Olivier Giroud missed a first half penalty but made up for it as Leão resembled club legend Ruud Gullit with a mesmerizing run of power and pace to set up the Frenchman for a tap in just before half-time.
Milan’s lacklustre title defence has given ample ammunition to Pioli’s detractors, yet he must be commended for steering the seven-time European champions to within two games of the Champions League final.
Napoli pay the penalty from the spot
The glaring lack of a dependable penalty taker affected a Napoli side blunted by injuries, suspensions and controversial officiating as their historic Champions League campaign ended against Milan.
Stellar winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could not convert from 12 yards with Luciano Spalletti’s side a goal down in a dramatic second half as the Partenopei exited the competition at the quarter-final stage.
Penalty misses have been a recurring theme in an otherwise spectacular campaign. Kvaratskhelia missed his second penalty this term with Matteo Politano, Victor Osimhen and Piotr Zieliński all failing from the spot at various points this term.
Already without the suspended Kim Min-jae and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Napoli saw Politano, Mário Rui and Amir Rrahmani all leave the field injured while replacement Hirving Lozano was denied what looked like a clear spot-kick after a collision with Leão.
Despite 22 attempts on goal, 16 corners and nearly 65% possession, the great entertainers of the Champions League could not navigate their way past a supremely well-drilled Milan.
Midfielder Tanguy Ndombele’s lapse in concentration allowed Leão possession to create Milan’s goal, while the often sublime Kvaratskhelia wasted two great second half opportunities.
Osimhen’s equaliser came too late as the Rossoneri held on, although Napoli can be justifiably proud of reaching the last eight of Europe’s most prestigious competition for the first time.
Brilliant Barella lifts Inter
Nicolò Barella accentuated his reputation as one of the most accomplished midfielders in Europe with an outstanding goal as Inter conceded twice late on in a 3-3 draw against Benfica.
A fluid fusion of impeccable footwork, close control and shooting accuracy, his curler into the top corner calmed any jitters at San Siro as the Beneamata forged three goals ahead on aggregate in the first half.
Barella, a self-confessed Inter fan, is contracted to the club until June 2026 but it has not prevented tedious chatter about a multi-million transfer elsewhere.
The Italy international illustrated his worth with an exceptional all-round display as despite some nervous moments the Milanese giants booked their place in the last four of the Champions League for the first time since winning the competition 13 years ago.
Left-sided wing-back Federico Dimarco also underlined his value to Simone Inzaghi’s team by providing two assists for Lautaro Martínez and Joaquin Correa.
Notwithstanding slipshod defending in the final stages and the asinine actions of a few Benfica supporters that threw flares in the stands, it was a memorable night for a club with a rich history at Europe’s elite level.
Never a penalty on Lozano. Amazing that the two missed penalties were in the first game, neither given for clear fouls on Milan players. Kim deserved his yellow for his petulant display after a foul and Zambo done a stupid tackle on second yellow.