Inter Milan 1-2 Juventus: 5 hits and flops as Cristiano Ronaldo scores a brace to give the Bianconeri an advantage in the semi-finals | Coppa Italia 2020-21

Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice to secure a win for Juventus in the Coppa Italia
Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice to secure a win for Juventus in the Coppa Italia

Juventus fought back from a goal down to beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final fixture on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a brace and cancelled out Lautaro Martinez's early opener for the Nerazzurri.

Martinez capped off a wonderful counter-attack by firing through the legs of Gianluigi Buffon. However, Ashley Young's foul on Juan Cuadrado inside the box gave Ronaldo the chance to equalise from the spot.

A few moments later, another individual blunder, this time from goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, allowed the prolific No.7 to slide the ball into an empty net.

The victory not only avenges Juventus' league defeat to Inter Milan two weeks ago but also gives them a huge advantage ahead of the second leg of their semi-final fixture next week.

Here are the hits and flops from the encounter:

Hit: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)

Cometh the hour, cometh Cristiano Ronaldo!
Cometh the hour, cometh Cristiano Ronaldo!

Very few players can compare to Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to delivering in the big games. The Portuguese ace was once again the difference-maker for his side as he scored a brace against Inter Milan.

While both goals were a result of individual mistakes, he took each of those chances with aplomb.

Ronaldo restored parity for Juventus from the spot after Ashley Young brought down Juan Cuadrado inside the area.

He later pounced on a horrible mistake from Samir Handanovic, firing into an empty net to secure his brace.

Thanks to his exploits, Juventus will enter the second leg of the semi-final fixture with a huge advantage.

Flop: Samir Handanovic (Inter Milan)

Samir Handanovic made some good saves but undid all of that with a huge mistake
Samir Handanovic made some good saves but undid all of that with a huge mistake

Samir Handanovic made an embarrassing gaffe in the match which eventually proved costly.

Milan Skriniar's poor backpass allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to drive forward, and another poor touch from Alessandro Bastoni allowed him to regain possession.

At this point, the Slovenian shot-stopper came running out of his area, letting the Juventus ace take a few steps forward before firing into an empty net.

Although this was a collective mistake, Handanovic could've prevented it from happening by just staying on his line.

Hit: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)

Nicolo Barella was outstanding for Inter Milan once again
Nicolo Barella was outstanding for Inter Milan once again

Nicolo Barella has been one of Inter Milan's best players this season. He reminded everyone of his precocious qualities once again with another top-class performance against Juventus.

He was the orchestrator of some excellent crosses inside the area and ran the proceedings around the Juventus defence with his electric speed and clever movements.

Barella's assist for Martinez was a real beauty. He found the Argentine behind the Juventus defence with a superb, pin-point cross.

Whenever the visitors tried to break forward on the counter, Barella was on hand to impede them with some crucial interceptions.

The 23-year-old was one of the few players from the opposite camp who didn't deserve to lose.

Flop: Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus)

Federico Bernardeschi continues to disappoint for Juventus
Federico Bernardeschi continues to disappoint for Juventus

Despite the victory, this was a far from a vintage performance from Juventus, who were found wanting at the back on a few occasions.

Gianluigi Buffon made two mistakes and paid the price for one. However, the veteran custodian recovered well in the latter stages, making some fine stops to keep out Inter.

On the other end of the field, Federico Bernardeschi once again turned in an insipid performance. The winger offered little attacking output, while his press also lacked power.

However, he is likely content that one of his crosses culminated into the penalty which Ronaldo duly converted.

Hit: Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)

Matthijs de Ligt was a rock at the back for Juventus
Matthijs de Ligt was a rock at the back for Juventus

Just how different Juventus' defence is with Matthijs de Ligt starting is truly remarkable.

The Dutchman was colossal at the back once again. He showed excellent positional awareness and made some crucial blocks in the second half to deny Inter some good chances at goal.

He also made a couple of good tackles, including one on Barella in the second half that was timed to perfection and executed with precision.

His duel with Alexis Sanchez was fascinating to watch. Even though the Chilean caused problems with his speed, De Ligt never let him get a sight of the goal.

Having endured a sluggish start to his Juventus career, the former Ajax skipper is now indispensable.

With a clutch performance in another top-billing clash, the defender has once again proved why he's considered one of the world's best centre-backs.

Quick Links