Luka Jovic scores twice in Milan Coppa Italia win

In a captivating contest at San Siro, Luka Jovic showcased his prowess by netting two goals in the first half for Milan. The 19-year-old Chaka Traore, making his full debut, added to the excitement with his maiden goal early in the second half. Despite Paulo Azzi securing a late consolation for Cagliari in the 87th minute, Milan sealed a 4-1 victory as substitute Rafael Leao scored the fourth. Notably, Milan hasn’t claimed the competition title in two decades.

Milan manager Stefano Pioli made significant changes, retaining only two players from the starting XI in the previous Serie A win over Sassuolo. Cagliari, battling relegation in Serie A, initiated the first significant chance within four minutes, with Andrea Petagna’s header saved expertly by the 40-year-old Milan goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.

Luka Jovic had an early one-on-one opportunity in the eighth minute, skillfully set up by Yacine Adli, but Cagliari’s Boris Radunovic denied the shot. Another threat came from Antoine Makoumbou, whose attempt, following a Petagna pullback, was easily handled by the keeper.

Milan broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, with Theo Hernandez providing an exquisite ball from the left to find Jovic on the right. Jovic skillfully evaded his marker and slotted the ball under Radunovic. Just before halftime, Jovic secured his brace, courtesy of another assist from Hernandez, dribbling into the middle and finding the net from a tight angle.

The second half saw 19-year-old Traore celebrating his first Milan goal in a scrappy fashion, turning and guiding the ball under Radunovic after a sequence of attempts. Despite a late consolation goal by Azzi in the 87th minute, Milan’s victory was sealed by Leao, who curled the ball beyond Radunovic in stoppage time. Milan’s triumphant performance adds to their pursuit of the title, marking a significant step forward in the competition they haven’t won for 20 years.