New Delhi, 05 February (H.S.): Inter Milan secured their passage to the Coppa Italia semifinals on Wednesday evening, prevailing 2-1 over Torino in a fiercely contested quarterfinal clash at the Monza Stadium, where French prodigies Ange-Yoan Bonny and Andy Diouf orchestrated a pivotal triumph.

In the 35th minute, centre-forward Ange-Yoan Bonny unleashed a thunderous angled header that slipped through Torino goalkeeper Alberto Pelagri's grasp, propelling Inter ahead with unerring precision. Mere moments into the second half, at the 47th minute, Andy Diouf converted Marcus Thuram's exquisite cross with a composed tap-in, doubling the Nerazzurri's advantage to 2-0 and asserting dominance early in the resumption.

Torino Rally Falls Short Against Ironclad DefenceTorino refused to capitulate, mounting a spirited resurgence as Croatian striker Sandro Kulenovic soared for a majestic header near the hour mark, clawing his side back to 2-1 and igniting fervent pressure for parity; yet Inter's resolute and disciplined backline repelled every advance, preserving their slender lead till the final whistle.

Notably, head coach Cristian Chivu afforded star striker Lautaro Martinez respite, rotating key assets for this fixture, which shifted from the San Siro to Monza owing to preparations for Friday's Winter Olympics opening ceremony at the iconic venue.

This victory crowns Inter as the first semifinalists, with Thursday's remaining quarterfinals pitting Atalanta against Juventus and Napoli versus Como, followed by Bologna hosting Lazio next week.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar