Inter secured their spot in the Italian Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, beating Torino 2-1. The 'Nerazzurri' rested their usual starters, with an eye on the Scudetto race.

Without key players like Lautaro, Bastoni, Dimarco, and Zielinski, the 'Nerazzurri' clinched victory with their 'B' team, playing a 'home' fixture away from home. The Giuseppe Meazza stadium was unavailable due to preparations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Inter thus earned their place in the Italian Cup semi-finals, where they now await either Napoli or Como 1907. It proved no walk in the park, as Torino pulled a goal back in the second half, leaving ample time to rattle the 'Nerazzurri' in the match's closing stages, making it a more tense affair than anticipated.

Even Chivu had to make a change, substituting one of the two academy players he handed debuts. France's Issiaka Kamate, booked on the right flank, presented too obvious a target for Torino's attack, especially with Spain's Rafa Obrador, playing his third game for the 'Granata' outfit, operating in that area.

However, it was not enough for Baroni's side, whose efforts were also thwarted by Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez in the Inter goal. The Lombardy side had done their homework, ensuring they had no regrets.

Inter started strongly, stamping their authority with a thunderous strike from Carlos Augusto that crashed against the crossbar. It was the first of several forays that, just past the half-hour mark, culminated in the opening goal.

Kamate, one of the two debutants (the other being Italy's Matteo Cocchi), drove to the byline and delivered an excellent cross, which his compatriot Ange-Yoan Bonny converted at the near post, beating visiting goalkeeper Paleari to the ball.

The second goal arrived immediately after the restart. Another Frenchman, Andy Diouf, slotted home from the heart of the box, unmarked, after a cut-back from fellow Frenchman Marcus Thuram. Two goals, four French players involved.

Torino managed to reduce the deficit through Croatia's Sandro Kulenovic. With half an hour remaining, the Toro then appeared to level the score with a header from Italy's Matteo Prati.

A very tight offside call, however, denied them the goal and a potential comeback. Inter then tightened up, and despite the Turin side's commendable efforts, they held on to secure their semi-final berth.

S. Kulenović

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