Football

Inter Milan outclass Shakhtar to reach Europa League final


Inter Milan put up a second-half attacking masterclass on Monday night (August 17) to reach the UEFA Europa League final.

The Italians defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 at Merkur Spielarena in Germany to seal their place in Friday’s (August 21) final.

Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku both netted braces as Antonio Conte’s charges marched majestically into the final. Argentine striker, Martinez opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a stunning header off a Nicolo Barella cross after the Shakhtar goalkeeper, Andriy Pyatov had miscued a clearance.

The Italians doubled their advantage through Danilo D’Ambrosio in the 64th minute before Martinez completed his brace with a fine finish. Lukaku then netted twice in the final 12 minutes, to bring the fairy-tale run of the Ukrainians to an unceremonious end. Inter will now face Sevilla in the final.

The Spaniards sealed their place in the showpiece game by defeating Manchester United 2-1 in the first semifinal on Sunday night.

Sammy Wejinya

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