Inter can take a big step towards winning two trophies by knocking out Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, according to Nerazzurri legend Diego Milito.

Antonio Conte’s side host the first leg of the tie tonight before they head to the Allianz Stadium for the return fixture on February 9.

Eliminating the Bianconeri would put Inter within 90 minutes of their first piece of silverware in a decade, but Milito thinks it could also enhance their chances of winning the Serie A title.

“Inter will do well to forget their win in the league match from a couple of weeks ago,” El Principe remarked in an interview for Tuesday’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It was deserved, of course, and came after a complete performance, but Juve are a great team and the great teams always learn after a defeat.

“I have never agreed with the idea that the cup competitions take energy out of you, though. 

“This is a semi-final and this is a trophy that no one can snub. 

“In 2010, the Coppa Italia was the first trophy of our treble win, which happened in chronological order. 

“It gave us the push and confidence to win the Scudetto and the Champions League.

“Eliminating Juve and going to the final would strengthen Inter’s Scudetto chances.”

Milito was then asked directly about who could win the Serie A title and admitted to being surprised by current leaders AC Milan.

“It could really be Inter’s year, they have everything it takes to win. 

“As a squad, the Nerazzurri and Bianconeri are on par in front of everyone.

“AC Milan? I’m a little surprised, but they will fight until the end because Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a great champion.”

He then touched briefly on Ibrahimovic’s recent spat with Romelu Lukaku in last week’s Derby della Madonnina.

“One episode can’t ruin two careers that speak for themselves. 

“I was provoked in my career too, the reaction cannot be predicted. 

“But they exaggerated things and took it too far.”

Next Milito spoke on former Racing Club teammate Lautaro Martinez, who is into his third season with Inter.

“He is extraordinary and he is proving it,” Milito said.

“He is also improving in terms of trying not to get carded, something I asked him to do long ago. 

“I like his ability to stay inside the box and how he feels in front of goal. 

“Lukaku improves whoever plays close to him.”

Milito, who was an integral part of Inter’s treble winning team in 2009-10, also proceeded to speak on Christian Eriksen and his new role as a play-maker.

“I like him as a player, absolutely. 

“He has so much quality that he can be comfortable for Inter, regardless of position.”

On Inter’s current financial situation, Milito added: “Football is all in crisis after the pandemic, we must adapt to new needs.”