09 June 2020, by Carl Lewis

Italian Coppa Italia Semi-Finals Preview and Tips

After the devastating impact of Covid-19 on Italy, there is light at the end of the tunnel as Calcio returns to Italy, albeit behind closed doors.

Calcio is also back with a bang and some real pedigree as four of Italy’s biggest clubs battle it out this weekend. First up is Juventus and AC Milan and then on Saturday, we have Napoli hosting Inter.

OFFICIAL: The Coppa Italia semi-final dates have been set.

June 12: Juve vs. Milan
June 13: Napoli vs. Inter
June 17: Final

⚔️ pic.twitter.com/zMpyzdr3cb

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 4, 2020

Friday 12 June

21:45 – Juventus (1.54) v AC Milan (5.90)

What a cracker to get Calcio started again as the Allianz Stadium plays host for when Juventus and Milan face each off. The first leg ended in 1-1 draw. Juventus have the away goal after the first leg so it is highly possible that Maurizio Sarri’s will implement a defence-minded approach in the second leg or at least a pragmatic one.

The Rossoneri, on the other hand, will be without key attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic because of injury. And they need goals and a win if they are to advance. unfortunately for them, they have not beaten Juve at the Allianz Stadium since 2016, Bianconeri have built a fortress there. In fact, Juve have won seven matches in a row against AC Milan here.

In their last meeting at the venue, Juve beat AC Milan 1-0, and with no crowds and its impact evident in the Bundesliga where home teams have struggled, we could see a low-scoring affair. 

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at 1.86

Value Bet: Juventus win and BTTS at 3.26

Saturday 13 June 

21:45 – Napoli (2.75) v Internazionale (2.50)

Napoli have a slender first-leg lead ahead of their match against Inter at an empty Stadio San Paolo. So close to the final and they welcome back and the good news for the fans is that key defender Kalidou Koulibaly has overcome his long-term injury. 

The conservative Antonio Conte has to deploy an attacking side or at least an offensive approach. The Nerazzurri will take heart from their last visit to the San Paolo, they won 3-1 in January this year. Before the 1-0 first leg result, the previous two head to heads saw both teams score and over 3.5 goals with Inter and Napoli bagging a win each.

Best Bet: BTTS at 1.71

Value Bet: Inter to win at 2.50