Inter Milan reached the Champions League final for the first time in 13 years thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martinez at San Siro.
Three-time champions Inter, who lead 2-0 after the first leg, will meet either Manchester City or Real Madrid in Istanbul on June 10th, thanks to a disciplined second-leg performance.
Inter were obliged to withstand early pressure at a heated San Siro as the designated home team, while a determined start by Milan ensured the match began at a furious pace.
As Stefano Pioli’s side looked to repair the damage done by surrendering two goals in 11 minutes last week, Theo Hernandez sent a fierce strike just over the bar and Brahim Diaz was stopped by Andre Onana.
Rafael Leao, who missed the first leg due to a thigh injury, showed flashes of brilliance on his comeback but fired agonisingly wide of the far post after driving in from the left.
Inter grew in confidence as the first half continued, and the game would have been practically over by halftime if Mike Maignan hadn’t made a superb reaction save from Edin Dzeko’s close-range header.
Inter had mainly deprived Milan of motivation in the second half until Martinez slipped the ball under Maignan and into the bottom corner with 16 minutes remaining, sending the Inter fans into raptures.
The final whistle was met with a deafening roar, confirming Inter’s first crack at Champions League glory since their 2010 triumph.
