Not Just The Goal: Calhanoglu Runs Show In AC Milan 1-1 Inter Milan Coppa Italia Derby – Frattesi Dreadful | OneFootball

Hakan Calhanoglu was the outstanding player in yesterday’s Coppa Italia draw between AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, hail the Turk for providing far more than just a goal. Davide Frattesi, however, comes in for harsh criticism.

The Milan derby is certainly a fixture with a particular significance to midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.

The Turkish international joined Inter Milan from AC Milan in the summer of 2021. And there is certainly no love lost between he and his former club the Rossoneri.

And yesterday in the first leg of a Coppa Italia semifinal tie, Calhanoglu looked like the extra motivation was really spurring him on.

Not Just The Goal – Calhanoglu Shines In AC Milan 1-1 Inter Milan Clash

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale scores his team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the Coppa Italia Quarter Final match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Hakan Calhanoglu was the player who scored the equalizing goal for Inter Milan in the second half yesterday.

That was naturally the standout moment from the 31-year-old.

However, the Gazzetta argues, it was just the cap on a performance that was at a very high level overall.

Calhanoglu was the player who ran the show in midfield.

The former Milan and Bayer Leverkusen looked very sharp in possession. He was constantly making himself available for the ball, and virtually never gave it away.

On the other hand, midfielder Davide Frattesi was culpable for losing possession too many times.

The former Sassuolo midfielder looked technically poor and off the pace in the first half.

Then in the second, Frattesi was culpable for a lack of a real challenge on Yusuf Fofana in the buildup to Milan’s opening goal.