Tijjani Reijnders has become the key man for AC Milan. In a season with few high points, the Dutch international midfielder will 'simply' be playing in the Coppa Italia final, thanks in part to his contribution in the city derby against Internazionale.
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AC Milan delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday night, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over city rivals Internazionale in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.
The result not only booked Milan's place in the final but also dealt a severe blow to Inter's ambitions of a treble this season. Among the standout performers was Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who capped off an impressive display with a well-taken goal, further solidifying his reputation as one of the club’s most influential players this season.
Reijnders’ goal, which came in the final stages of the match, was the perfect conclusion to a game in which he controlled the tempo, broke up Inter’s play, and constantly drove Milan forward. His performance did not go unnoticed by the Italian press. TuttoMercato praised his impact, noting, "His contribution to the match was more than deserved. A beautiful goal at the end of a game in which he was everywhere and barely missed a thing." The outlet awarded him a 7.5 rating, one of the highest in the match, highlighting his growing importance in Milan's midfield.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, another major Italian sports daily, provided a detailed analysis of the match, emphasizing how the dynamics shifted in Milan’s favor as the game progressed. "The script of the derby changed color as the minutes passed," the paper observed, describing how Inter initially looked the stronger side but failed to maintain their momentum. "Inter's siege ended in a debacle. Coach Simone Inzaghi and his players dreamed of the treble, but instead, they were left licking their wounds."
Special attention was given to Reijnders, whom La Gazzetta described as "very strong and truly a modern midfielder, with a very rare quality." They elaborated, "He dominates the midfield and has an exquisite switching pass, able to change the direction of play with precision and vision. He's also making great progress as a finisher, adding an extra dimension to his game that is becoming increasingly valuable for Milan."
La Repubblica joined in the chorus of acclaim, focusing on the elegance and creativity Reijnders brings to the pitch. "When space opens up, it’s as if he glides forward on skis," they wrote. "He showcases special slaloms past opponents, followed by many creative solutions. His goal was the cherry on top, a reward for a match where he displayed intelligence, composure, and flair in abundance."
The win was significant not just for the margin, but for the manner in which AC Milan dismantled their fiercest rivals. It was a display of tactical discipline, physical dominance, and clinical finishing. Milan’s coach, Stefano Pioli, was full of praise for his team post-match, particularly for Reijnders, whose development this season has been a key factor in Milan’s success. "Tijjani has grown into a leader on the pitch," Pioli said. "His understanding of the game, his technical ability, and his work ethic make him an essential player for us."
This result adds to what has been a remarkable season for Reijnders, who joined Milan in the summer and quickly adapted to the demands of Italian football. His performances have not only helped Milan domestically but have also drawn attention from across Europe. With the Coppa Italia final on the horizon, Reijnders and Milan will look to carry this momentum forward, aiming to secure silverware and possibly challenge for more in the seasons to come.
Updated: 12:27, 24 Apr 2025
