Inter Milan booked their place in the Italian Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Torino on Wednesday.
The Serie A leaders looked in control after goals from 22-year-old French pair Ange-Yoan Bonny and Andy Diouf put them two goals ahead, raising hopes of a comfortable win. However, Torino refused to back down and made things tense when Croatian striker Sandro Kulenovic powered in a header to cut the deficit.
With head coach Cristian Chivu opting to rest captain Lautaro Martinez, Inter played the match in Monza as the San Siro is being prepared for Friday’s Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Bonny opened the scoring in the 35th minute, heading in from close range as Torino goalkeeper Alberto Paleari failed to keep the ball out. Inter then struck early in the second half, with Diouf finishing off a Marcus Thuram cross in the 47th minute.
Inter controlled much of the match with their passing and possession, but Torino found a way back just before the hour mark through Kulenovic. Despite late pressure from the visitors, Inter remained solid at the back to see out the win.
Inter are the first team to reach the semi-finals. Atalanta host Juventus on Thursday, while Napoli face Como and Bologna take on Lazio next week to complete the last-four lineup.
