Inter Milan was a step closer to another Italian Cup final after
beating Fiorentina 1-0 in the first leg of the semifinals on
Wednesday.
Diego Milito struck from close range in the first half after
being set up by strike partner Mario Balotelli.
The second leg was scheduled for April 14.
"It is not a bad result," Inter coach Jose Mourinho said.
"Considering we were at home it gives us a bit of an advantage. We
know it is never easy to play in Florence, but I would say we have
the advantage.
"I am happier with the result than the way we played. I was
expecting more from us in the second half, but Fiorentina
controlled the midfield."
After a cagey start Inter had the first chance of the match,
in the 24th. Sulley Muntari flicked on a long ball to Wesley
Sneijder, but Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey pushed his shot
wide.
Three minutes later Frey made another stop, this time of
Maicon's powerful volley from Balotelli's cross.
Inter took the lead in the 34th. Balotelli beat Fiorentina's
offside trap and squared the ball for Milito, who got ahead of
Manuel Pasqual to score.
Juan Vargas had Fiorentina's best chance two minutes later,
but shot low and wide after Alberto Gilardino played him into
space.
After the break Fiorentina went straight on the attack, but
after good approach play Mario Santana shot weakly at Inter stopper
Francesco Toldo.
Milito thought he had doubled his tally in the 57th, but
Sneijder was offside when he fired home the rebound from Goran
Pandev's effort.
Stevan Jovetic then squandered a free header for Fiorentina.
Pasqual crossed from the left, but Jovetic headed tamely wide.
As the match came to a close Sneijder went close with a free
kick in the 71st, and Jovetic fired wide from a corner in the
closing minutes.
