Inter won the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final in Rome, thanks to another great strike from Dejan Stankovic. The Serbian midfielder's goal was a real gem. A ray of light in the dark. Roma and Inter fans shared a very low amount of expectations from a game between two depressed sides [both teams lost the previous two games].

The only thing that mattered was a win. And when Vucinic missed from just a few yards - his second consecutive sitter after the mistake against Palermo - the writing was on the wall for the home fans. And Stankovic, a former Lazio player, was more than happy to oblige and put the signature on Roma's third defeat in a row. The other good notes for the Nerazzurri came from Lucio and Cambiasso, whose job was eased by the home side's lack of determination.

"The tie is still open" Roma's coach Vincenzo Montella said after the game.

"I'm glad for this win, which wasn't easy, and I'm focused only on the present, I have no time for any gossip about Mourinho" was Leonardo's comment.

AC Milan-Palermo is the other semi-final. An eventual final between the two Milan teams could be a good opportunity for Inter to take [a small measure of] revenge against their city rivals.

Man of the Match: Dejan Stankovic. His goals are the best thing produced by Inter in the last month. Great players raise their game when the team needs it more and Deki, despite being far from fitness, is doing that consistenly.

Italian Cup 2010-11 / Semifinal 1st leg

ROMA-INTER 0-1

AS ROMA: Doni; Cassetti (79' Rosi), N. Burdisso, Juan, Riise; Pizarro, De Rossi; Taddei, Perrotta (75' Simplicio), Vucinic; Borriello (76' Menez). Coach: Montella
INTER: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Ranocchia, Nagatomo; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Stankovic (94' Mariga); Sneijder; Milito (80' Pazzini), Pandev (82' Obi). Coach: Leonardo

Referee: Rizzoli
Goal: Stankovic 44'
Yellow cards: Taddei, Burdisso; Maicon, Ranocchia, Sneijder

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