Inter victory in vain as Sampdoria progress
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Article summary
UC Sampdoria are through to their first Coppa Italia final since they won the competition in 1994 despite losing 1-0 on the night to FC Internazionale Milano, Zlatan Ibrahimović scoring the only goal at San Siro.
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UC Sampdoria are through to their first Coppa Italia final since they won the competition in 1994 despite losing 1-0 on the night to Serie A leaders FC Internazionale Milano.
Woodwork struck
Zlatan Ibrahimović scored the only goal at San Siro after 27 minutes, firing right footed into the top corner after strike partner Julio Cruz chested down a long ball. The Sweden striker then tested Sampdoria goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi with a header moments later as the Nerazzurri strived to make further inroads into the 3-0 first-leg defeat they suffered last month. The chances continued to come Inter's way and only the post prevented the hosts doubling their lead eight minutes before half-time when Ibrahimović lobbed Castellazzi.
Lazio test
Inter continued to press after the break with Julio Cruz and Hernán Crespo both missing chances and Ibrahimović striking the crossbar. The Nerazzurri's frustration was compounded in added time when Marco Materazzi was dismissed. Four-time cup winners Sampdoria will play S.S. Lazio, 4-2 aggregate winners against Juventus on Wednesday, in the final at Rome's Stadio Olimpico on 13 May.
