Como held Inter to a 0-0 draw in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg, missing big chances as the tie heads to Milan finely poised.
It remains finely balanced heading into Milan after Como and Inter played out a 0-0 draw in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg. The hosts made better use of home advantage at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Inter, meanwhile, struggled to impose themselves in a subdued attacking display. With no away goal rule, the tie remains wide open ahead of the return fixture.
Como started with confidence and controlled large spells of the opening half. Mergim Vojvoda went close twice, first seeing an effort blocked before curling another shot wide. Nico Paz then forced Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez into a sharp save from the edge of the box. Inter lacked rhythm and failed to register a single shot on target before the break.
Cesc Fabregas’ side continued to move the ball well through midfield. Maxence Caqueret dictated the tempo with tidy distribution and intelligent positioning. Inter defended compactly but offered little threat going forward. The visitors appeared content to keep the score level and reassess after half-time.
Despite Como’s dominance, the breakthrough never came before the interval. Their best moments arrived down the flanks, though the final ball often let them down. Inter reached the break relieved to still be level. The balance of the tie, however, had tilted slightly in Como’s favour.
Inter nearly made an instant impact after the restart when Matteo Darmian’s cross struck the near post inside 15 seconds. The moment briefly shifted momentum, but it did not last. Just minutes later, Como wasted the clearest chance of the match. Ivan Smolcic’s low cross found Alex Valle unmarked inside the six-yard box.
Valle somehow sent his effort wide, striking the post in frustration. It was a miss that could define the semi-final. Inter responded by making a triple substitution before the hour mark, introducing Marcus Thuram, Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries. Even so, their attacking output remained limited.
Neither side pushed aggressively for a late winner. Como remained organised but cautious, aware of the risk of conceding. Inter prioritised defensive security and game management. The closing stages passed without a clear opening at either end.
Statistically, Como will feel the greater regret. They produced around 0.9 expected goals from five attempts, compared to Inter’s 0.06 from three off-target shots. Valle’s miss alone accounted for the majority of Como’s xG. Caqueret stood out with his passing range, duel success and work rate in midfield.
The second leg takes place on April 22 at the San Siro, where Inter will expect improvement. Cristian Chivu’s side remain well placed domestically and are 10 points clear at the top of Serie A. They will also face a derby test before the return leg.
Como travel to Milan knowing a historic opportunity remains alive. The winners will face either Atalanta or Lazio in the final. After missing key chances here, Fabregas’ side must be sharper if they are to reach the showpiece.
