Inter Milan have punched a ticket to the Europa League final after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk, 5-0, on Monday thanks to braces from Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku. The Nerazzurri will meet Sevilla for the right to be crowned Europa League champions on Friday in in Cologne, Germany.
Inter found their breakthrough in the first half after a lengthy possession and a cross whipped from the corner by Nicolo Barella and headed home by Lautaro Martinez in the 19th minute.
Inter continued their offensive onslaught in the second half despite Shakhtar making an attempt to even the tempo. Danilo D'Ambrosio would double Inter's lead just past the hour-mark, with Martinez scoring a second goal to make it, 3-0.
Lukaku would continue his Europa League dominance and ice the game with a goal a brace of his own, scoring two additional goals in the winding minutes. Lukaku became the first player in Europa League history to score in 10 consecutive matches, a streak that dates back to November of 2014 from his days at Everton.
Takeaways
Inter Milan: It was another dominant Europa League match from Inter today. Antonio Conte has been operating with a similar lineup though their Europa League journey, and the team looked lethal once again in their 3-5-2. The Italian side appeared to bait their opposition early, holding off on their high press, conceding possession to Shakhtar before inevitably breaking through for the opening goal off a poor goalkeeping clearance.
Inter continued their offensive press in the second half, never allowing the Ukranian side to establish its tempo, and turning on the goal scoring as the hour-mark approached. The team would go on the win 5-0, with a brace from two players in Martinez and Lukaku down the stretch, but this game was wrapped up before Inter made their first sub.
Shakhtar Donetsk: The Ukranian side had an impressive Europa League tournament, outworking its opponents through retaining possession and scoring when it counted. The team had no answers for their opposition, getting out worked on wings, and having their best players isolated today. Alan Patrick, their central attacking mid who had a stellar quarterfinal, was subbed out at the hour-mark after having little impact in the mid.
Despite committing their gameplan by retaining majority of the possession, the team never worked themselves into the match, and were out shot by Inter 12-6, recording only one shot on target.
Inter Milan 5, Shakhtar Donetsk 0
⚽ Inter Milan: Lautaro Martinez (19')
⚽ Inter Milan: Danilo D'Ambrosio (64')
⚽ Inter Milan: Lautaro Martinez (74')
⚽ Inter Milan: Romelu Lukaku (78')
⚽ Inter Milan: Romelu Lukaku (83')