INTER v AC MILAN: THE KEYS TO THE MATCH

More than a great performance will be needed to reach the final. The Rossoneri will have to overturn the 0-2 loss in the first leg, and to do so will require ninety minutes - or more - of the best possible AC Milan, led by head and heart. On the eve of the Champions League semi-final second leg - scheduled for Tuesday 16 May at 21:00 CEST - we analyse what could be the turning points of the second San Siro match.

OPEN THE SCORING, CHANGE THE MOMENTUM
AC Milan will need at least two goals to send their double-header with the Nerazzurri into extra time, and it will therefore be crucial to open the scoring as soon as possible. To concede 1-0 could prove costly for morale and qualification hopes, a jolt that could undermine the Rossoneri's comeback spirit. Scoring the opener, on the other hand, could lift the boys and put pressure on the opponents. While the Nerazzurri will feel less of a need to break the deadlock, if not to get rid of the tension and allow themselves the luxury of playing on the back foot, for the Rossoneri it will have to be the main focus with which they take to the field. Waiting for the chance to come without pushing on the accelerator might not pay off, as the clock will play in Inter's favour. Therefore, the attitude will be extremely important: fighting and positive from the start, while maintaining clear heads. Making an early burst on the scoreboard could dramatically increase tension and concern for the rivals, but it will also help them regain confidence in their play.

THE SUPPLY AND ATTACKING RUNS
To keep the right balance, it will be necessary to block the supply to the opponents' offensive playmakers and, at the same time, to follow their movements with timing and aggression. The Nerazzurri managed this in the first leg, limiting the number of spaces for Giroud but above all the supply to the French striker, while Lautaro and Džeko were allowed too much space to receive and invent in dangerous areas. For both teams, the main supply goes through the lanes, which is why Calabria and Theo Hernández will have to pay close attention to diagonals and defensive closing. With the backline's interest fully focused on the forwards, the midfield runs will come into play: decisive in the Nerazzurri's second goal in the first leg, to be offered with more courage for AC Milan. Tonali and Krunić, starting in the midfield, must not give up their offensive presence in order to surprise the Nerazzurri's defensive line. The two goals scored by Sassuolo in the last league match against Inter, which came thanks to two runs from midfield, set an example in this sense. As for Olivier Giroud, on the other hand, so much will depend on the quality and continuity with which he will be served in the area, an area in which he has already abundantly demonstrated his ability to be lethal.

COMPACTNESS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS AND SPEED
The Nerazzurri's backline has, among the main weapons at their disposal, physicality and organisation, but it is liable to concede when approached with speed and in one-on-one situations. In order to exploit the speed and acceleration of their attacking men, as well as the dribbling of their creators, however, AC Milan will have to be skilful in moving as a unit up and down the pitch, to avoid leaving the field open to Nerazzurri counter-attacks. Order and compactness will be necessary to achieve this but also, and above all, to take advantage of the possible numerical superiority out wide against Inter's 3-5-2. The overlaps of full-backs - if the timing is right - will create a two on one against the Nerazzurri's only outside player, and will force Inter to choose between two options: to challenge the ball or to mark the man, inducing a consequent unbalance. Compared to the first match, the Rossoneri should count on the contribution of Rafa Leão, a specialist and dribbler in this type of circumstance. The Portuguese man is able to drive up the whole pitch in a matter of moments and, with his speed, can make himself a constant danger to the opposing defence - especially in combination with Theo. Inzaghi's men, as in the first leg, will try to surprise AC Milan with the width of their line-up and changes of play from one side to the other, which can be neutralised with the coordination of the whole team. Everyone will have to be a leader, and communication will also play its part.

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