Inter Milan 1-2 Juventus: 5 talking points as Cristiano Ronaldo stars in crucial victory | Coppa Italia 2020-21
Juventus came from behind to grab an impressive 2-1 victory over rivals Inter Milan in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final fixture on Tuesday.
Juventus came into this game looking to extend their winning run to five games across all competitions. Meanwhile, Inter Milan were on an impressive six-game unbeaten run and were aiming to build on their impressive victory over arch-rivals AC Milan in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Inter Milan opened the scoring early in the first half when Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net in the ninth minute.
After the Nerazzurri hit a quick break, Alexis Sanchez brilliantly brought Nicolo Barella into play, and the Italian midfielder paced down the right flank before drilling a low cross for Martinez to tuck home.
Juventus drew level after the VAR awarded a penalty for Ashley Young’s foul on Colombian full-back Juan Cuadrado. Cristiano Ronaldo calmly dispatched the spot-kick for his 22nd goal of the season.
Juventus completed the comeback in the 35th minute, and Cristiano Ronaldo was once again at the centre of it all. The Portuguese superstar pounced on a defensive error before sending his shot in to put the Bianconeri in the lead.
Inter continued to press for an equaliser and came close when Sanchez's well-struck shot beat Gianluigi Buffon. However, defender Merih Demiral raced back to make a superb goal-line clearance and send the ball out for a corner.
Juventus held on to this narrow lead until the full-time whistle and grabbed a much-needed win alongside a two away-goal advantage in the fixture.
#5 Nicolo Barella impressive against Juventus
Italian midfielder Nicolo Barella continued his impressive performance for Inter Milan this season with a laudable performance against Juventus.
The 23-year-old might not have gotten on the scoresheet, but his show of class in midfield was outstanding.
Barella played a huge role in the opening goal as he drilled in a superb low cross that found Lautaro Martinez.
This season, the former Cagliari man has tallied two goals and five assists in Serie A, inspiring the club as they challenge for the Scudetto.
#4 Inter Milan toothless without Romelu Lukaku
Once again, Inter Milan’s over-reliance on Belgium international Romelu Lukaku has cost the club. The former Manchester United man was left out of the squad for the clash with Juventus, and Inter Milan failed to convert their chances in front of goal.
While Lautaro Martinez has often tried to score in the absence of the Belgian, the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Ivan Perisic have failed to meet expectations.