Inter Milan has reached the Champions League final thanks to a Lautaro Martinez goal

A Lautaro Martnez second-half goal ended AC Milan’s challenge to reach the Champions League final next month. Inter’s 1-0 victory in Tuesday’s second-leg semifinal at the San Siro secured a 3-0 aggregate win and a place in the final on June 10.

The Nerazzurri have now the chance to become the fourth Inter side to win European soccer’s elite competition.

Inter fans had to wait 45 years for another European Cup title when José Mourinho’s team stunned the continent in 2010 under legendary coach Helenio Herrera.

Inter captain Martnez sealed the tie with a 74th-minute strike as AC Milan desperately chased goals in the second leg to win the tie.

Romelu Lukaku slipped the diminutive striker in, and he blasted a driven effort past Mike Maignan at his near post.

‘The group was the key’

Fikayo Tomori conceded there was “a bit of anxiety” among AC Milan’s ranks during the first leg, but Pioli’s side came away with nothing to lose.

With Rafael Leo back in the lineup, the Rossoneri came out firing.

Brahim Díaz had a glorious chance to put his side ahead, but André Onana comfortably saved his effort. The challenger surged forward, but his effort, a brilliant solo run, did not extend the race.

As chances were spurned, Maignan made a brilliant save that kept his team in the semifinals. Despite their energetic start, AC Milan ran out of gas after the break and Pioli’s team failed to manage a shot on target after the break. Martnez’s goal ended any hope of a comeback.

Goalscorer Martnez told Sky Italia that the key was unity. “I had the same experience at the World Cup: you get to play these very important matches at your best if you are united.”

On June 10, Inter Milan will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League final in Istanbul.

According to Sky Italia, Inter vice-president and former captain Javier Zanetti prefers not to meet Real Madrid, 14-time European Cup winners.

“I want to avoid Real Madrid because the competition seems made for them,” said Inter’s Champions League-winning captain in 2010.

HOMEPAGE: FIREGARLIC