Inter Milan vs Atalanta: Coppa Italia Match Preview

Inter’s quest to defend its Coppa Italia and claim a second trophy of 2023 continues with an-all Nerazzurri matchup Tuesday. Simone Inzaghi’s men host a surging Atalanta at the San Siro with a spot in the semifinals against the winner of Juventus-Lazio on the line.

Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is unbeaten since the new year, last losing to Inter back in November. Atalanta swept aside Spezia 5-2 in the previous round to reach the quarterfinals and is currently fourth in Serie A on 38 points. Despite missing out on European competitions in 2021/22, La Dea has rebounded to being a well-rounded machine this season, with the 3rd most goals (39) scored in the league and 7th fewest conceded. Summer signing Ademola Lookman has reached stardom in Bergamo with 14 goals and 3 assists, supported by midfielder Teun Koopmeiners (6g, 3a) and young Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund (5g). Long-time stalwarts Ruslan Malinovsky (now at Marseille), Duvan Zapata, and Luis Muriel have all taken a step or two back, so it’s been a bit of a much-needed changing of the guard at the Gewiss Stadium. So far, though, the results have shown that Atalanta isn’t ready to go away anytime soon.

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

With Napoli 13 points clear in Serie A, Inter’s best chance at a trophy is probably the Coppa Italia - barring a miracle run in the Champions League. Simone Inzaghi will have a bit of a selection headache with the derby Madonnina on Sunday, but knowing him cup games are first and foremost no matter what. And rightly so, to be fair. There’s no hope of an Inter Scudetto and whether the Nerazzurri make top four will depend on more than just one Milan derby. Time to go all out on the Coppa Italia.

Previous Results

Inter has a 73W-36D-27L lead in the all-time record against La Dea, although four of the last seven meetings have ended level.

• 2-3 (A) - 13/11/22
• 0-0 (A) - 16/1/22
• 2-2 (H) - 25/9/21

Predicted Starting XIs

Prediction: Inter Milan 3-2 Atalanta

Goals will be the theme of the day as Lookman and Lautaro trade braces before a late winner from super-sub Romelu Lukaku.

(That last part is more wishful thinking than anything else, but hey, anything can happen)

Forza Inter!