For the second time within ten days, Como let slip a two-goal lead against Inter Milan, who mounted a stunning comeback to triumph 3-2, securing their spot in the Coppa Italia final and keeping their hopes for a domestic double alive.
The thrill of chasing history can be intoxicating, and Como were riding high on the prospect of reaching their first-ever Coppa Italia final. The team from Lake Como was in control during the first half.
Marc-Oliver Kempf nearly found the net with a header that hit the post following a corner, awarded after Inter’s goalkeeper Josep Martinez thwarted Martin Baturina from a challenging angle. However, it was Baturina who had the last laugh on the half-hour mark.
Ignace van der Brempt made a brilliant run down the flank, reaching the byline before delivering a pullback that found Baturina lurking in space eight yards out; the Croatian struck decisively to put his team ahead.
This goal opened the tie up completely, and opportunities continued to arise for both sides as the first half progressed. Tasos Douvikas came close with a header that narrowly missed the target after connecting with a beautifully placed corner.
Inter came close shortly after, with Marcus Thuram attempting a header that Maximo Perrone heroically cleared off the line.
Como’s ascent in recent years has been remarkable; just six years ago, they were competing in Serie C. Only two minutes into the second half, Como was on the brink of a cup final. A careless pass from Piotr Zielinski gifted Nico Paz the chance to seize possession, and the Lariani’s star player set up Lucas Da Cunha, who rounded off the move by scoring from a tight angle.
In search of a lifeline, Inter became increasingly frantic, and they were rewarded for their efforts with just over 20 minutes to go, as Hakan Calhanoglu’s long-range effort deflected into the bottom corner.
Como substitute Assane Diao had a golden opportunity to secure the match just a minute after Inter’s goal but squandered a clear one-on-one chance, a mistake that would come back to haunt them.
Calhanoglu equalised with a well-placed header from 12 yards out, and in the 89th minute, Petar Sucic’s curling shot completed a remarkable turnaround, securing the Nerazzurri’s place in Rome, where they will meet either Atalanta or Lazio.
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