Italian giants AC Milan will face off against archrivals Inter Milan in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League next month.
The two clubs have hardly played at this level of the Champions League in the past 10 years and suddenly find themselves fighting for a place in the final.
Inter had to overcome a stubborn Benfica outfit 5-3 on aggregate while Milan edged out Serie A leaders Napoli 2-1 on aggregate to set up a tense Milan derby.
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Inter coach Simone Inzaghi knows very well that a place in the Istanbul final is up for grabs.
“It will be a special derby,” Martínez told Amazon Prime Video. “We all know what this game means, to play a Milan derby in the Champions League semi-finals,” he added. “Happiness is the word, I’m so proud to represent this crest and this great club which is back to where it belongs.”
For many, the Milan derby brings back Champions League memories of the 2000s when both clubs were kings of Europe. Milan were the more dominant side having won the title in 2003 and 2007. They also lost the 2005 final to Liverpool in Istanbul despite leading 3-0 at half-time. Ironically, this year’s final is at the very same stadium where a generation before them left their tears 18 years ago.
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Inter, on the other hand, were hot and cold but eventually got their hands on the trophy in 2010 under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.
Both Milan teams are struggling in the Serie A and this tie could be a turning point for either of them
The two teams face-ff on the 10 May 2023.
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