Mario Balotelli’s penalty gave Milan a 1-0 first-leg lead in their Coppa Italia semi-final against third-tier Alessandria, last night.

The Italy striker scored two minutes before half-time to nudge Milan towards a potential final against city rivals Inter – who face Juventus in the other semi-final, with the first leg tonight.

Balotelli was unable to convert Mattia De Sciglio’s early cross and Alessio Romagnoli’a header was saved by Gianmarco Vannucchi.

Balotelli shot wide and Alessandria’s Michele Marconi was also off target from distance while Massimo Loviso fired a free-kick into the wall.

Luiz Adriano had a shot blocked by Santiago Morero and was then unable to reach Keisuke Honda’s through-ball, while Vannuchi denied Balotelli and Andrea Poli.

Balotelli volleyed Honda’s pass over but opened the scoring from the spot after Morero fouled Luca Antonelli and was booked.

Roberto Sabato blocked Honda’s shot from Balotelli’s cut-back before Alessandria began to push for an equaliser. Manuel Fischnaller’s volley was blocked by Christian Zapata while Riccardo Bocalon and Gianluca Nicco were both unable to find the target.

Poli had a goal disallowed after Niang strayed offside.

Playing today: 20.45 Juventus vs Inter.

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