Coppa Italia Final Spot on the Line for Milan and Inter
The second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal features another Derby della Madonnina between Inter and AC Milan. The tie is finely poised after a 1-1 draw in the first match.
Inter entered the tie as potential favorites and are still theoretically in contention for a treble. However, recent performances, including a 1-0 defeat to Bologna in Serie A, have cast some doubt on their form and could offer an opportunity for AC Milan in this decisive game. Inter`s recent loss affected their league position and puts pressure on them to prove their championship credentials across multiple competitions. This Coppa Italia match is a chance to regain momentum.
Despite having a strong season overall, Inter has struggled when facing AC Milan this campaign, failing to secure a victory in their four previous encounters, including the Supercoppa Italiana final in January.
For AC Milan, the stakes are different. This tournament represents a significant chance to secure silverware in what has been a challenging season that hasn`t quite met the high expectations set after last season`s success. Winning the Coppa Italia could significantly salvage their campaign.
Beyond the trophy, this competition is also Milan`s most probable route to qualifying for European football next season, given their current mid-table position in Serie A. Players, including U.S. international Christian Pulisic, are under pressure to perform. Pulisic has not scored in his last seven appearances for club and country, although he has provided important assists. Qualifying for European football, ideally in a major competition, is vital for his preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
The team that advances from the Milan derby will face the winner of the other Coppa Italia semifinal between Bologna and Empoli. Bologna holds a significant 3-0 advantage from their first-leg match.
Real Madrid Aims to Respond in La Liga Title Race
Real Madrid faces another critical fixture in their packed schedule, traveling to play Getafe. Following Barcelona`s recent 1-0 victory over Mallorca, Real Madrid now trails the league leaders by seven points. This increases the pressure on them to secure a win against Getafe to remain in contention for the La Liga title, especially with their Copa del Rey final clash against Barcelona scheduled for Saturday.
Considering the mixed performances of Real Madrid this season, including an earlier than expected exit from the UEFA Champions League, the prospect of finishing the season without a major trophy feels more plausible than it once did for their high-profile squad.
Speculation surrounding Carlo Ancelotti`s future as coach continues to circulate. While he has not officially confirmed his departure at the end of the season, his recent remarks hinted at a potential farewell, expressing gratitude for his time at the club regardless of how the season concludes.
For the Getafe match, Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappe due to a short-term injury, though there is a possibility he could be fit for the Copa del Rey final. Despite being favorites against Getafe, any dropped points could effectively end their La Liga title aspirations with only five matches remaining after this midweek fixture.
Other Football News
- Serie A Schedule Change: Serie A has moved all weekend games to Sunday in observance of Pope Francis` funeral.
- Championship Promotion: Leeds United and Burnley have secured automatic promotion spots to the Premier League.
- Manchester United Transfer Rumor: Reports indicate Manchester United is targeting Wolves forward Matheus Cunha for the upcoming summer transfer window.
- NWSL Match at Oracle Park: Bay FC of the NWSL is scheduled to play a match against the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park, home of MLB`s San Francisco Giants, in August.
- NWSL Power Rankings: Recent NWSL Power Rankings showed an improvement for Bay FC`s position, while the Orlando Pride`s ranking declined.
- Millwall Promotion Push: Millwall remains in contention for promotion to the Premier League, potentially adding a traditionally controversial club to England`s top flight.
Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
- In the Premier League, Arsenal takes on Crystal Palace. While their chances of winning the league title are slim, Arsenal needs a win to mathematically stay in the race. Crystal Palace may choose to rest players ahead of their upcoming FA Cup semifinal, suggesting Arsenal is the clear favorite. A win, possibly low-scoring, seems probable for Arsenal.
