Inter to meet Milan in last-8
Milan, Italy - Romelu Lukaku headed in an extra-time winner as Inter Milan set up an Italian Cup quarterfinal clash with city rivals AC Milan on Wednesday with a 2-1 last-16 win over Fiorentina.
Belgian Lukaku connected with Nicolo Barella's cross in the 119th minute to Fiorentina goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano and snatch a late triumph. Chilean Arturo Vidal had given Inter the advantage five minutes before the break in normal time after a VAR review judged Terracciano to have fouled Alexis Sanchez.
But Christian Kouame blasted in a superb equaliser 12 minutes after half-time to take the match to extra-time. Lukaku came off the bench on 69 minutes and ensured Inter avoided going to a penalty shootout with his 17th goal this season in all competitions.
AC Milan won 5-4 on penalties on Tuesday after their match against Torino ended 0-0 after extra time.
Title-holders Napoli are at home against Empoli later on Wednesday with record 13-time winners Juventus taking on Genoa in Turin.
Earlier on Tuesday Zlatan Ibrahimovic got his first start in over seven weeks but Milan had to battle into the quarterfinals.
Hakan Calhanoglu slotted in the winning penalty with Tomas Rincon missing from the spot for Torino in the San Siro after a stalemate following 120 minutes of play.
"It was a very hard battle, but Milan never gave up, we were a team for 120 minutes," said coach Stefano Pioli.
"These players make me proud, for how they train and their commitment.
"You can see that I feel good here at Milan. This team makes me proud. And when you are so happy, you convey confidence."
Ibrahimovic had made a brief late appearance last weekend in a 2-0 win over Torino in Serie A, having been sidelined with a left thigh injury since scoring a double against Napoli on November 22.
"I wanted to give Ibra a longer time after his return to the championship," continued Pioli, whose side are top of the Serie A standings.
"He played a good match and this will help him find the best condition."
On Tuesday, the 38 year old Swede played the first half before being substituted off for Calhanoglu.
Ex-Milan coach Marco Giampaolo's Torino gave the hosts more of a battle than last Saturday, with both sides missing chances in a clash between two former five-time former winners.