2 days ago
8
AC Milan’s Coppa Italia dreams did not even make it into the new year this time, as they exited in the last-16 at the hands of Lazio.
Massimiliano Allegri made five changes to the starting line-up from the team that beat Lazio in the league on Saturday night. Koni De Winter, Pervis Estupinan, Samuele Ricci, Ardon Jashari and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all came in, with Jashari making his first start after a long injury lay-off.
Just like a few nights ago, one goal would be enough to decide the game. This time it came from Mattia Zaccagni, as the Biancocelesti booked their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face holders Bologna.
Fine margins
In the league meeting on Saturday, it was Lazio who had more of the ball and generated more big chances. This time around, Milan had 58% possession and generated more Expected Goals, albeit only 0.83 to 0.66 which tells its own story.
There were equal big chances, while the home side had more total shots, shots on target and more corners, from which the game was ultimately won.
Coppa curse
Despite it being the second-most significant domestic honour in Italy, and Milan arguably being the biggest club, they do not have a great relationship with the Coppa Italia.
In fact, the Rossoneri have not won the Coppa Italia since the 2002-03 season, when it was a two-legged final (Roma were the opponents). That means the drought will now extend beyond 23 years, by the time next May’s final comes around.
Milan only won the Coppa Italia five times in their history, while Lazio have even won it four times since 2003. The Diavolo have finished as runners-up an Italian record ten times, which only adds to the ‘curse’.
Previously, Milan had a good record of at least making it to the final eight, but this time the last-16 is where they exit. Just six months ago, Sergio Conceicao’s side were beaten in the same competition at the same stadium, the difference being that it was the final against Bologna.
English (US) ·