The semi-final known to Italians as il Euroderby began with an ear-splitting chorus of “Pioli’s on fire” one week ago at San Siro, Milan supporters showing appreciation for their manager, Stefano, but it ended as vindication for the man in the opposing dugout. Simone Inzaghi was supposed to be a dead man walking in early April, national newspapers predicting that one more defeat could lead to his sacking at Internazionale. At which point he simply stopped losing.
Eight wins in a row have carried the Nerazzurri from sixth to third in Serie A, and into a pair of cup finals. Defending the Coppa Italia is one thing, fighting for the Champions League another. Few outsiders gave Inter hope of even reaching the knockout phase of this competition when they were drawn with Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the group stage.
