Inter Milan will hope to go all the way in the Coppa Italia ahead of their last eight clash against Torino FC at San Siro.
Inter Milan’s pursuit of a domestic double continues on Wednesday night as they welcome Torino to San Siro for a Coppa Italia quarter-final that, on paper, looks heavily weighted in the hosts’ favour. With a place in the semi-finals, and a potential showdown with either Napoli or Como at stake, the Nerazzurri will be keen to maintain their momentum across competitions.
Inter arrive in formidable shape. Unbeaten in 11 Serie A matches, they have steadily tightened their grip on the title race while dispatching opponents with increasing authority. Last week’s comfortable victory over Cremonese was another example of a side operating with clarity and confidence, as early goals from captain Lautaro Martinez and the increasingly influential Piotr Zielinski set the tone.
That result completed a hat-trick of wins in all competitions, following emphatic successes against Pisa and Borussia Dortmund. Those victories have served a dual purpose. Domestically, Inter continue to set the pace at the summit of Serie A. In Europe, the 2-0 win in Dortmund secured a favourable seeding ahead of a Champions League playoff tie with Bodo/Glimt.
Now, before returning to league action with a tricky weekend visit to Sassuolo, Cristian Chivu’s side turn their attention back to the Coppa Italia, a competition they know well. Nine-time winners, most recently lifting the trophy in 2023, Inter were denied a place in last season’s final by city rivals AC Milan.
This term, however, they have looked determined to reassert themselves, beginning their cup campaign by dismantling Venezia 5-1 in the round of 16. That win set up a quarter-final against opponents they have dominated relentlessly in recent years.
The historical context is brutal for Torino, as Inter Milan have won 12 of the last 13 league meetings between the sides, with the most recent seven victories coming by an aggregate score of 17–2. Torino’s struggles at San Siro extend beyond this fixture alone, they are winless in their last 19 league visits to the stadium, including matches against both Milan clubs.
A 5-0 defeat earlier this season only reinforced the gulf that has opened up. And yet, Torino arrive with at least some belief drawn from their cup run. After seeing off Modena and Pisa, the Granata produced one of the competition’s standout moments by knocking out AS Roma at the Olimpico.
A brace from Che Adams and a late strike by Emirhan Ilkhan sealed a dramatic victory that showed they are capable of rising to the occasion when least expected. League form, however, tells a less encouraging story. A bleak winter run that included four straight Serie A defeats left Marco Baroni under significant pressure, with a humiliating 6-0 loss to Como even raising relegation fears.
A timely response came last weekend against Lecce, as Adams ended a two-month league drought and helped push Torino nine points clear of danger. Stability has returned, but consistency remains elusive.
The challenge now is a different one entirely. Facing Italy’s most prolific attack in their own backyard represents a step up in intensity and quality, and Torino will need near-perfect execution to stay competitive for long periods. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
Inter Milan
With a demanding February schedule across multiple competitions, Inter Milan are expected to rotate for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia quarter-final against Torino. Cristian Chivu is likely to lean on his squad depth, offering rare opportunities to several fringe players. There are no suspension concerns, but Inter continue to deal with notable absentees.
Denzel Dumfries, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Nicolo Barella all remain sidelined, depriving the hosts of key energy and creativity on the right flank and in central midfield. On a more positive note, Carlos Augusto could return to the matchday squad after missing the weekend trip to Cremonese, boosting options at wing-back.
Up front, rotation is also expected. Although Lautaro Martinez extended his lead in the Capocannoniere race with his 13th league goal of the season, the captain may be rested to preserve fitness ahead of upcoming league and European commitments. That opens the door for Marcus Thuram or Ange-Yoan Bonny to lead the line.
In goal, backup goalkeeper Josep Martinez is in line for a start, while experienced centre-back Stefan de Vrij could return to the heart of defence. Tactically, Inter Milan are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation against Torino, maintaining their familiar structure despite personnel changes.
Josep Martinez should start between the posts, protected by a back three of Yann Aurel Bisseck on the right, Stefan de Vrij as the central organiser, and Francesco Acerbi on the left. This trio provides a blend of physicality, experience, and ball progression. In midfield, Andy Diouf is likely to operate as the right wing-back, with Federico Dimarco continuing on the left, where his delivery and attacking threat remain key weapons.
Centrally, Petar Sucic is expected to anchor the midfield, supported by Piotr Zielinski, who adds creativity and goal threat, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose intelligence and composure help control tempo. Up front, Marcus Thuram is likely to partner Sebastiano Esposito, forming a mobile attacking duo tasked with stretching Torino’s defence and capitalising on sustained pressure.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Martinez; Bisseck, de Vrij, Acerbi; Diouf, Sucic, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Esposito
Torino FC
Torino are expected to rotate once again in the Coppa Italia, mirroring the approach that served them well in the previous round against AS Roma. Marco Baroni has made it clear that he will not take risks with player fitness, and several absences are therefore anticipated.
Ivan Ilic, Gvidas Gineitis, Zakaria Aboukhlal, and Ardian Ismajli are all set to miss out due to ongoing fitness concerns. In attack, Giovanni Simeone remains sidelined with a thigh problem, further limiting Torino’s options in the final third. There are no suspension issues to contend with, but squad availability will heavily influence Baroni’s selections.
With those absences in mind, Torino’s attacking setup is likely to feature rotation and experimentation. Che Adams remains a strong candidate to start after his recent goalscoring return, while Sandro Kulenovic is pushing for another opportunity following his arrival at the club.
Duvan Zapata and Alieu Njie are also in contention, giving Baroni multiple profiles to choose from depending on whether he prioritises physical presence or mobility up front. In midfield and defence, January additions Matteo Prati and Luca Marianucci both made their debuts at the weekend and are expected to play prominent roles again.
Tactically, Torino are set to deploy a 3-5-2 formation, aimed at maintaining defensive compactness while offering support through central areas. Alberto Paleari is expected to start in goal, shielded by a back three comprising Luca Marianucci on the right, Guillermo Maripan as the central defender, and Saul Coco on the left. This unit will be tasked with absorbing pressure against Inter’s fluid attack.
In midfield, Marcus Pedersen and Rafa Obrador are likely to operate as wing-backs, providing width while prioritising defensive cover. Centrally, Nikola Vlasic should offer creativity and ball progression, supported by Emirhan Ilkhan, whose energy suits cup football, and Matteo Prati, who adds structure and passing range. Up front, Che Adams is expected to partner Sandro Kulenovic, forming a strike pairing that combines movement with physical presence as Torino look to threaten on the counter.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Paleari; Marianucci, Maripan, Coco; Pedersen, Vlasic, Ilkhan, Prati, Obrador; Adams, Kulenovic
Key Stats
- Inter Milan have won 12 of their last 13 Serie A meetings with Torino, with the most recent seven victories coming by a combined 17-2 scoreline.
- Torino are winless in their last 19 league visits to San Siro, a run that includes fixtures against both Inter and AC Milan.
- Inter are unbeaten in 11 consecutive Serie A matches.
- Inter have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven home matches in all competitions.
- Torino have conceded 15 goals across their last five matches against top-six opposition.
Player to Watch
Marcus Thuram
The Frenchman is well placed to make a decisive impact in this Coppa Italia quarter-final, especially with Inter expected to rotate their attacking options. If Lautaro Martinez is rested, Thuram’s role becomes even more significant, both as a goal threat and as a reference point in Inter’s fluid front line.
The French forward brings a blend of physicality and mobility that suits cup football. His ability to run the channels, pin centre-backs, and create space for midfield runners such as Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan makes him a constant problem for opposition defences. Against a Torino side likely to defend deep and look to counter, Thuram’s off-the-ball movement could be crucial in breaking the initial resistance.
Thuram has also shown a knack for delivering in high-leverage moments, particularly at San Siro, where Inter tend to dominate territory. If the hosts are to assert control early and avoid any hint of a cup upset, Thuram is one of the most likely players to provide the breakthrough.
Prediction
Inter Milan 2-0 Torino FC
Torino’s cup run has already exceeded expectations, but the challenge of containing Inter at the even a rotated version, is a formidable one. The Nerazzurri’s depth, tactical structure, and recent dominance in this fixture give them a clear edge, particularly in a knockout setting.
Inter may take time to fully impose themselves, but once the game opens up, their quality in wide areas and attacking movement should tell. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Cristian Chivu and his charges.
