AC Milan vs. Inter Milan score, ratings: Rossoneri waste first-leg chances as Coppa Italia semi ends scoreless

No team was able to get the advantage as they are both within reach of the final

AC Milan and Inter Milan played out an eventful 0-0 draw on Tuesday in the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg as neither team could take advantage in the initial 90 minutes of this tie. Milan were the better side throughout and had the opportunities to win, but their precision was off when it mattered most, allowing Inter to take a draw that they probably didn't deserve in the end. While Inter failed to impress, they should be the ones who exit this game with a higher feeling of optimism considering what could have been, being thankful they are still alive.

The reigning Serie A champs entered this match on a scoring drought, and it continued. Milan had 13 shots in the game but put only three on frame while Inter put just two of their seven shots on frame. In fact, Inter have now failed to score on their last 69 shots in all competitions. Inter have now gone four complete matches without a goal, stretching their goalless drought to a staggering 403 minutes. 

Here's a look at their production or lack thereof:

Most recent opponents	Shots	Goals	Result
AC Milan	7	0	0-0 draw
Genoa	21	0	0-0 draw
Sassuolu	29	0	2-0 loss
Liverpool	9	0	2-0 loss
Napoli	8	1	1-1 draw

Inter have scored multiple goals in a game just twice since mid-December, and while these are all negatives, at least they enter the second leg with a fighting chance. The match is set for April 20 on Paramount+, and that will give them plenty of times to correct things. Though if they want to remain in the Serie A title race, that improvement needs to come quick. The defense hasn't been all that bad, but in attack both Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez have fallen off the face of earth. Their cohesion is gone, they are being overpowered time and time again and Martinez seems to just be in this funk where nothing goes right. 

The good thing is, when they get their good vibes back, the potential is there to win this cup and Serie A. They were the best team in Italy for the first half of the season, and the story was, "How could Inter be better without Antonio Conte, Romelu Lukaku and others?" Now the question is, "Do they really have enough to win trophies?" The weeks ahead will teach us plenty, but we may not have to wait long to truly find out. Inter have a quick turn around, playing last-place Salernitana on Friday. A big win there could really jump-start the second half of their season, get the confidence back in attack and have them better prepared for the second leg. 

They weren't ready for this match, and they're fortunate to be leveled. If they can get it together soon, the chance at silverware may just be there waiting. 

But how did each player perform in this one? Here are our player ratings for the match for every starter, substitute and manager. All ratings are out of 10, and the higher the number the better. A zero would be a first-minute red card. A 10 would be like a dominant hat trick.

AC Milan ratings

Name	Minutes	How did they do?	Rating
(GK) Mike Maignan	90	Sturdy as always. He really didn't have much to worry about, and he was a bit wild in some of his challenges on the ball, but he felt like a sure thing in goal.	7
(DEF) Alessandro Florenzi	84'	It was a good display from the former AS Roma man as he managed to remain composed on the right, pass the ball with precision and provide a bit of juice on both ends of the pitch.	8
(DEF) Fikayo Tomori	90	Dealt well with Lautaro Martinez and was consistently aware as to what was around him. He stepped up after Alessio Romagnoli's injury. A leader.	7
(DEF) Alessio Romagnoli	26	Lasted less than a half-hour due to injury.	N/A
(DEF) Theo Hernandez	90	He was everywhere. Nearly scored on a brilliant run in the first half, but his contributions going forward evaporated as the match went on. Needs to be more consistent.	7
(MID) Ismael Bennacer	90	He wasn't blowing anybody away, and he took a couple nasty knocks, but the effort in the middle, the grit and determination, it rubbed off on his team. A real bright spot.	7.5
(MID) Franck Kessie	90	Composed and calm, he helped set the tone in the middle with graceful, smart passes. He would have liked to have gotten forward more, but he helped link to the attack with smart passes wide.	7
(MID) Alexis Saelemaekers	67	Up and down. He was much better in the first half and looked like a threat. He had a fantastic chance on a rebound where his placement was just off. He should have scored.	7
(MID)  Rade Krunic	67	His contributions in attack were very minimal. Where he made the biggest impact was in defense, applying pressure all night on Marcelo Brozovic.	6
(FWD) Rafael Leao	67	A step quicker than everybody else. He recorded eight successful dribbles and just always looked like he was about to score. The shooting was off, but everything else was there.	7
(FWD) Olivier Giroud	90	Had just one shot and didn't come close to making the impact he had in their last meeting where he scored twice. The hold-up play was good, but had little else to offer.	5
Substitutes	Replaced	How did they do?	Rating
Pierre Kalulu	Romagnoli (26')	A strong, assertive display off the bench from the young Frenchman. Looked quick to the ball and used his strength to give Inter nothing.	7.5
Ante Rebic	Leao (67')	Quiet off the bench in replacing Leao. Never got into dangerous positions and just seemed a step slow.	5
Brahim Diaz	Krunic (67')	The young playmaker came on but didn't get on the ball much, taking just 17 touches. He just didn't have the opportunity to create.	5
Junior Messias	Saelemaekers (67')	The Brazilian had one shot in his short cameo but was never played into a spot where he could change the game.	5
Davide Calabria	Florenzi (84')	Florenzi was out of fuel, and Calabria came in and did enough, keeping shape, passing smartly and applying pressure.	6
Manager	Subs used	How did the manager do?	Rating
Stefano Pioli	5	He knows they should have won that game. Now all to play for in the second leg. Those wasted chances will sting, especially considering Inter are just in a bad run of form. Opportunity missed.	5

Inter Milan ratings

Name	Minutes	How did they do?	Rating
(GK) Samir Handanovic	90	He saved his team whenever he was called to make a save and he delivered. He's not responsible for the turbulent moment his teammates are experiencing as of late.	6
(DEF) Milan Skriniar	90	Careful and didn't make mistakes. One of the few that's continuosly performing well as he was able to contain the AC Milan strikers.	6
(DEF) Stefan de Vrij	90	AC Milan didn't do much as well especially in the second half but de Vrij was a bit better compared to the last matches.	6
(DEF) Alessandro Bastoni	90	He's underperforming generally and again showed that in the first leg. He has not been the same player compared to the first part of the season. He left too much space to Saelemaekers.	5
(MID) Denzel Dumfries	88	He played against Theo Hernandez, who is one of the best left backs in the world, and didn't suffer. He honestly couldn't do much more on the night.	6
(MID) Nicolò Barella	65	A disappointing performance from the Italian midfielder who is currently showing all the problems of this team in the last month. Few ideas and all of them confused.	5
(MID) Marcelo Brozovic	90	The team is not running like before and this definitely has an impact on his performances. He can't do much on his own to solve the problems that this team currently has.	5
(MID) Hakan Calhanoglu	90	He suffered more compared to the last derbies against his former team. He tried to do something on the attacking side but had little-to-no impact.	5
(MID) Ivan Perisic	88	We should expect more from him, as he wasn't at his best. Florenzi and Saelemaekers made his game really difficult defensively.	5
(FWD) Lautaro Martinez	65	Another bad game from the Argentine striker who has failed to score in the last two months in all competitions. A trend that needs to be changed as soon as possible.	4
(FWD) Edin Dzeko	79	Similar to Martinez, he put together another dud as he deserves some of the blame for their scoring drought. He tried to work for the team, as always, but couldn't help find any solutions in the attacking phase.	5
Substitutes	Replaced	How did they do?	Rating
Arturo Vidal	Nicolò Barella (65')	Tried his best to help his teammates but it wasn't enough. Acceptable performance overall.	6
Alexis Sanchez	Lautaro Martinez (65')	Right now this team is not helping him succeed, but he needs to do something more.	5
Joaquin Correa	Edin Dzeko (79')	Few touches, all wrong basically.	5
Matteo Darmian	Denzel Dumfries (88')	Late substitution from Simone Inzaghi.	N/A
Robin Gosens	Ivan Perisic (88')	Finally healthy, he made a brief debut for his new club.	N/A
Manager	Subs used	How did the manager do?
Simone Inzaghi	5	Impressive how this team has stumbled as of late and failed to score in the last 400-plus minutes. He really needs to turn things up, before it will be too late for the title race.	5

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:53 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

THIS IS IT!

Zero goals scored and no many emotions tonight at San Siro for the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal. The second leg will take place on April 20th. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:47 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Gosens debut for Inter 

Simone Inzaghi makes two late changes with Robin Gosens making his Inter debut and also Matteo Darmian coming in. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:38 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

AC Milan have another chance

Despite Inter Milan having more ball possession in this phase of the match, Junior Messias has a chance to score the opening goal of the night but it goes out. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:31 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

This result is better for...?

I'll say Inter, but that is simply because AC Milan have been better and probably deserve the lead. This 0-0 would do nothing for either really ahead of the second leg, so it would feel like a chance wasted.

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:25 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Changes for both sides

First changes for Inter Milan: Lauaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella are out while Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal come on the pitch. Simone Inzaghi is looking for a reactions from his team. Stefano Pioli makes three changes, with Saelemaekers, Leao and Krunic out with Rebic, Diaz and Messias coming in. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:20 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Lautaro booked 

Lautaro Martinez committed a foul on Mike Maignan, who anticipated the Argentinian striker. The French goalkeeper stays on the ground after he was hit hard on the left wrist. Lautaro is booked. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:10 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Handanovic saves!

Rafael Leao has a nice chance and shoots from outside the box. Samir Handanovic saves it and Milan Skriniar is careful for the rebound. AC Milan are now pushing and Saelemaekers has another chance but Inter's defense is careful once again. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:05 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

SECOND HALF STARTED 

We're back for the second half at San Siro. No changes in the two clubs. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 4:04 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Inter need something

Changes are needed for Inzaghi's side, because they rarely look threatening. Lautaro Martinez doesn't look like his usual self, and it is just predictable so far. The creativity must be better and quickly. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:50 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

First half stats

• Shots: AC Milan 7, Inter Milan 5
• On target: Inter Milan 2, AC Milan 1
• Possession: Inter lead with 52% to 48%

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:48 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

FIRST HALF IS OVER 

No many chances and zero goals scored until now at San Siro in the first half of the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:45 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

A lot of confusion 

Difficult moment for both clubs, especially for Inter Milan that is struggling to create chances and missing many key passes in the midfield. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:41 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Inter Milan pushing now 

Inter Milan a bit more aggressive in this phase of the first half and had one small chance with Barella but his attempt goes wide. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:36 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Leao's pace giving Inter big problems

He is just a step faster than everyone, jetting inside and outside, turning the corner on Brozovic before being pulled down by the Croatian. Yellow card and deserved.

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:28 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

First change for Pioli

Alessio Romagnoli is injured and is forced to be changed by coach Stefano Pioli: Pierre Kalulu takes his place. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:19 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Andriy Shevchenko's message to the fans

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:15 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Superb defending from Milan

It's really good from Milan right now. They are stepping to the ball, applying pressure from behind and really making things tough for Inter. A vibrant start.

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:15 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

First chances!

AC Milan have the first chances of the match. Inter Milan loose a ball in the box and Saelemaekers fails to put the ball in the net. Few seconds after Theo Hernandez has another great chance but his attempt goes wide. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:14 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Milan growing...

They are growing into the match, forcing Inter into turnovers, as Theo Hernandez shows a burst of speed and comes close. Chance after chance now for Milan as Inter look to get things back under control. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:09 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Inter Milan keep the ball 

No big chances yet but Inter Milan are more in control of the game and keep more the ball, while AC Milan try to be dangerous on the counterattacks. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 3:02 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

KICK-OFF

We're underway at San Siro for the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal in Milan. The Milan derby started with AC Milan hosting Inter Milan. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 2:56 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

San Siro looking great

Teams are about to enter the pitch and the atmosphere is amazing here in Milan: look at AC Milan fans choreography: 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 2:39 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Maldini about Kessié's future

AC Milan sporting director Paolo Maldini spoke about the future of Franck Kessié before the match to Mediaset: "Barcelona interest? "It's normal, his contract is expiring in the summer and we don't have an agreement yet. Our ideas are clear and we haven't changed our mind". 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 2:32 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Storylines

AC Milan: This is a big match -- that goes without saying -- but what type of Milan will we see considering arguably their biggest game of the season comes just days later on Sunday? Milan enter this semifinal also sitting in second place in Serie A. They play first-place Napoli this weekend in a match that could end up being a turning point in the Scudetto race. On the injury front, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has missed six matches due to an Achilles' tendon issue, so getting him back before long will be crucial to their title hopes. Milan got the best of Inter last time with Olivier Giroud's double, and you can expect the French striker to get the chance to make another big splash.

Inter Milan: Inter enter this match on a poor run of form, having won just one of their last six games. They've failed to score in three straight matches with their goal drought stretching to 313 minutes. So what better way to get on track than to beat your rival in a match that puts you on the brink of the final and gives you momentum ahead of the weekend? In order to do that, the creativity will need to be better, but the execution at both ends too. This team feels like it is in a little funk, like it needs a wake-up call. Keep an eye on them early and if we can see that comfort that has been missing. If it is still missing, then their chances are slim.

[Mar 1, 2022 at 2:32 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

How to watch

Date: Tuesday, March 1 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: San Siro -- Milan, Italy
TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Paramount+

[Mar 1, 2022 at 1:51 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

The last meeting

These two sides met just three weeks ago in Serie A play, and what a match it was. Inter had a 1-0 lead and looked to be in control until Olivier Giroud went off with two late goals to complete the comeback. Here are the highlights:

[Mar 1, 2022 at 1:48 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Team news

Milan XI: Maignan; Florenzi, Tomori, Romagnoli, Hernández; Kessie, Bennacer; Saelemaekers, Krunić, Leão; Giroud.

Inter XI: Handanović; Skriniar, de Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Brozović, Çalhanoğlu, Perišić; Martínez, Džeko.

[Mar 1, 2022 at 1:01 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

San Siro stands for Ukraine 

Before the match, both AC Milan and Inter Milan fans will display a common choreography with the colors of Ukraine. 

[Mar 1, 2022 at 1:50 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Welcome

Welcome to the CBS Sports live blog of the Coppa Italia! It's the semifinal round with the first leg between Inter Milan and AC Milan! I'm Roger Gonzalez, here with Francesco Porzio. What a game this will be! As a reminder, you can watch this game live at 3 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+.