Arnautovic s magic helps Inter past Lazio into Coppa Italia semi finals

Inter Milan secured a commanding 2-0 victory at home against Lazio on Tuesday, with Marko Arnautovic producing a dazzling strike that sent them soaring into the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

The Austrian striker produced a goal-of-the-season contender six minutes before the break, firing home a perfectly struck volley that flew into the net from outside the box after a corner was headed clear.

Inter have become a regular fixture in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, reaching at least this stage in five of the last six seasons and 30 times in total.

What matters for Inter also matters for me. The most important thing is winning the match, and we are very happy, Arnautovic said as he downplayed his spectacular goal when speaking to Mediaset.

Lazio pressed in the second half to get an equaliser, with Gustav Isaksen nearly scoring just before the hour mark from a tight angle, but Inter keeper Josep Martinez kept out the attempt with his foot.

Hakan Calhanoglu sealed the win for Inter in the 77th minute from the penalty spot, sending Lazio keeper Christos Mandas the wrong way after Samuel Gigot fouled a charging Joaquin Correa.

Inter will face AC Milan in a two-legged clash in the semi-finals in April.

The two teams have faced each other three times this season already, with Milan winning twice, including in the Italian Super Cup final in early January, and one match ending in a draw.

Last season we beat Milan many times, we will be ready and we will think about it when the match arrives, Inter midfielder Piotr Zielinski said.

Juventus will host Empoli on Wednesday, with the winner set to face Bologna in the other semi-final. REUTERS

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