Coppa Italia: Inter Edge Torino 2-1 To Reach Semi-finals As Bonny And Diouf Score

Inter moved into the Coppa Italia semi-finals after a 2-1 win over Torino in the quarter-finals, setting up a last-four meeting with either Napoli or Como. The result means Inter have now made the semi-finals 19 times across the last 30 seasons, more than any other Italian side across that period.

The tie took place on neutral ground in Monza because San Siro is being used for the Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony. Inter adapted quickly to the unfamiliar venue and controlled long spells of the match, although Torino created enough chances to stay in contention until the closing moments.

Inter almost struck early when Carlos Augusto powered a shot against the woodwork, warning Torino of the threat. The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute,

when Issiaka Kamate advanced down the right flank and delivered a well-placed cross, which Ange-Yoan Bonny met with a glancing header into the bottom-left corner.

Torino had an opportunity to equalise before the interval but Sandro Kulenovic failed to convert, missing a presentable chance. Inter punished that wastefulness directly after the restart, scoring again just 117 seconds into the second half. Marcus Thuram supplied a low centre, and Andy Diouf reacted sharply to prod the ball home from close range.

Kulenovic reduced the deficit later in the second period and gave Torino hope of a late comeback. Marcus Pedersen swung in a cross from the right, which deflected off Augusto and dropped kindly for Kulenovic, who nodded in from close range. Torino then increased the pressure, forcing Inter to defend deeper for the final stages.

There was more drama on 74 minutes when Torino believed they had found the equaliser. The celebrations were brief because the assistant’s flag ruled out the goal for offside against Matteo Prati. Prati went close again in stoppage time, bending a long-range effort that clipped the upright as Torino exited the Coppa Italia with little between the teams.

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu chose to leave Lautaro Martinez on the bench until the 56th minute, which shifted responsibility onto other attackers. The team responded, with Bonny and Diouf scoring, underlining a shared scoring threat rather than reliance on a single forward during this Coppa Italia tie against Torino.

Diouf’s goal added to an impressive collective record. Inter are now the club from Europe’s top five leagues with the highest number of different players who have scored at least three goals in all competitions this season, with nine such players. That spread of contributors has been crucial across league fixtures and Coppa Italia matches.

The underlying numbers from the quarter-final show Torino were competitive despite the defeat. Torino attempted 11 shots to Inter’s 10 and created the higher expected goals (xG) total, at 1.44 compared to Inter’s 1.26. The statistics reflect a closely balanced contest, even though Inter maintained a one-goal advantage for much of the second half.

Inter’s long-term record in the Coppa Italia remains strong after this victory over Torino in Monza. With 19 semi-final appearances across the past 30 seasons and another campaign still alive, Inter continue to be consistent contenders in the competition, while Torino depart after a narrow loss that included missed chances and fine margins.