Inter took a giant stride towards the final of the Coppa Italia after a 3-0 win at Sampdoria.
Internazionale took a giant stride towards the final of the Coppa Italia after a 3-0 win at Sampdoria.
In a semi-final, first leg which was closer than the scoreline suggested, Nicolas Burdisso netted twice to become the tournament's top scorer this season.
The defender opened the scoring after just nine minutes when he nipped in to turn home Luis Figo's free-kick.
Figo was the provider of all three Inter goals and he supplied the corner for Hernan Crespo to head home the second on 24 minutes.
On 57 minutes, Burdisso grabbed his second of the night when he rose well to head in another Figo corner.
But Inter were grateful for a string of fine saves from Francesco Toldo to ensure the second leg should be little more than a formality.
Roberto Mancini had rested several of his key players for the game, but refuted suggestions Inter were under-strength.
He said: "This was not Inter II. There are no stars in our squad. Today it was simply the turn of those who didn't play (against Fiorentina in Serie A) on Sunday."
