In the first semi-final of the Italian Super Cup held in Riyadh, Inter Milan validated their ticket to the final after a convincing 2-0 victory against Atalanta, thanks to a double from Denzel Dumfries .
The Dutch winger opened the scoring in the 49th minute and doubled the lead in the 61st, showing all his talent and composure in front of goal. The Nerazzurri are now awaiting the result of the clash between Juventus and AC Milan next Friday to know who their opponent will be in this edition of the trophy, hosted in Saudi Arabia.
As reigning champions, Inter demonstrated their strength against the current league leaders, level on points with Napoli, despite a game in hand. They managed to keep the score level at halftime thanks to several spectacular saves from Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.
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Carnesecchi made some crucial interventions, including a remarkable fingertip deflection off Lautaro Martinez’s acrobatic attempt in the 10th minute. He stood out again in the 21st minute, where he refused two attempts from Martinez and one from Di Marco in the process.
Iranian striker Taremi, a former FC Porto player, came on in the second half, but it was Dumfries who shone, scoring with a clever move with his back to goal, first controlling the ball with his head before to execute an impressive half-volley strike that was unstoppable.
Carnesecchi stretched out in the 61st minute to keep away a powerful Dumfries strike from just outside the area, but the ball hit the post and crossed the line, sealing the score 2-0.
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Immediately afterwards, he was the center of attention again, preventing what could have been a third Lautaro Martinez goal. Brazilian Ederson then had a potential goal ruled out by VAR after a lengthy review due to an offside call involving a teammate during the chaotic action.
Despite a late surge from Atalanta, it was Inter Milan, albeit slightly ineffective, who created more opportunities to extend their lead.
In the second semi-final on Friday, Sérgio Conceição will make his debut as AC Milan head coach as they prepare to face Juventus, a match that will also feature his son Francisco.
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