Inter Milan advanced to the Coppa Italia final with a 3-2 comeback victory over Como at the Giuseppe Meazza on April 22, 2026, overturning a two-goal deficit in the final 21 minutes.
Coach Cristi Chivu made a pivotal substitution at halftime, introducing Petar Sucic for Dimarco, a move that directly led to the equaliser and eventual winner. Sucic provided two assists and scored the 89th-minute goal, while Hakan Calhanoglu scored twice — in the 69th and 86th minutes — to complete the turnaround.
Como had taken control early, with Martin Baturina scoring in the 32nd minute and Lucas Da Cunha adding a second in the 48th minute after Inter’s sluggish first half. The Nerazzurri struggled to create chances, with Bonny and Marcus Thuram failing to impress, and Josep Martinez, chosen over Yann Sommer in goal, making several early saves to keep the deficit manageable.
The tactical shift after the break saw Inter regain composure, with Calhanoglu reducing the arrears from distance before Sucic’s incisive play sparked the finale. Italian media noted the significance, with Leggo journalists awarding Chivu a 7/10 for guiding Inter to its first Coppa Italia final under his management and keeping alive the prospect of a domestic double.
The victory sets up a final against the winner of the Lazio-Atalanta semifinal, also scheduled for April 22, 2026. Inter enters the match having recently defeated Cagliari 3-0 in Serie A, strengthening their title challenge, while Como’s loss leaves them at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification after three consecutive Serie A defeats.
How Chivu’s halftime change altered the match’s trajectory
The introduction of Sucic at the 60th minute provided the creative spark Inter lacked in the first half. His vision and passing unlocked Como’s defence, directly leading to Calhanoglu’s 69th-minute goal and assisting the 86th-minute equaliser before his own winner.
Why the victory keeps Inter’s double hopes alive
By reaching the Coppa Italia final, Inter maintains the chance to win both the Serie A title and the domestic cup — a feat last achieved by Juventus in 2021. Chivu’s side now faces only Lazio or Atalanta in the final, with the league title race still open.
What Como’s loss means for their season
The defeat marks Como’s third straight loss in Serie A, following defeats to Sassuolo and draws with Udinese and Inter. With Champions League qualification now uncertain, the club faces a critical run-in to secure a top-five finish.
Was this Cristi Chivu’s first Coppa Italia final as a coach?
Yes, sources confirm this is the first final of Chivu’s managerial career, having taken over Inter earlier in the 2025-26 season.
How did Inter perform in the first leg of the semifinal?
Inter won the first leg 4-0 at home against Como, giving them a strong advantage before the away leg that ultimately required a comeback.
