Inter Beat Torino in Coppa Italia Despite Tough Fight

Inter Milan advanced in the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 victory over Torino on February 4, 2026, but were made to work for the result. Despite being heavily favored, Inter faced a determined Torino side that pushed them throughout the match.

Torino entered the match as significant underdogs, currently sitting 13th in the league standings. Their previous encounter with Inter earlier in the season resulted in a decisive 5-0 defeat, highlighting the gulf in class between the two teams. However, Torino demonstrated a clear intent to avoid a repeat performance.

Inter Without Zieliński, Torino Provides Resistance

Inter manager Cristian Chivu opted to rest Piotr Zieliński, despite the Polish midfielder’s recent impressive form following his selection in the team of the week after a strong showing against Cremonese. This decision raised eyebrows, but Chivu clearly prioritized managing his squad’s workload.

Torino proved to be a resilient opponent, defending effectively for over 35 minutes before Inter finally broke the deadlock. Ange-Yoan Bonny headed home in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a well-delivered cross from the flank. The goal gave Inter the lead, but Torino continued to pose a threat.

The second half saw Inter quickly extend their advantage. Just two minutes after the restart, Andy Diouf unleashed a powerful, first-time shot that found the back of the net, making it 2-0. However, Torino refused to surrender.

Sandro Kulenović, a former player for Legia Warsaw, pulled a goal back for Torino in the 65th minute, injecting renewed hope into the visitors’ challenge. Kulenović’s headed goal reignited the contest and left the outcome hanging in the balance.

Torino thought they had equalized in the 73rd minute through Matteo Prati, but the goal was correctly disallowed for offside. The decision was crucial, as it prevented Torino from leveling the score and potentially forcing extra time.

Despite Torino’s spirited fightback, Inter managed to hold on for the win. While not a dominant performance, Inter demonstrated their character and resilience in overcoming a determined opponent. The match proved to be a tougher test than many anticipated, with Torino proving to be a difficult side to break down.

The victory sets up an intriguing Derby di Milano in the Coppa Italia final, pitting Inter against their city rivals, AC Milan. The upcoming clash promises to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams vying for silverware. Analysts are already predicting a favorable outcome for Inter, given their current form and league position, but the team will need to be at their best to overcome a strong Milan side.

Despite falling to Juventus on penalties recently, Inter has shown their character in recent matches. This latest victory against Torino further underscores their ability to grind out results even when not at their fluent best. The team’s ability to navigate challenging encounters will be vital as they progress through the Coppa Italia and continue their pursuit of league success.

Looking ahead, Inter will likely face an even tougher test in the Coppa Italia final against Milan. The team will need to be at their best to overcome their rivals and secure a place in the history books. The prospect of a domestic double remains within reach for Inter, but they will need to maintain their focus and determination to achieve their goals.