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A big game preview of Cristiano Ronaldo's previous matches against Inter Milan

In a make or break clash in the Italian football season, old rivals in Juventus and Inter Milan meet in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday and Cristiano Ronaldo could be the difference maker.

As he approaches his 36th birthday next week, Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to prove that age is just a number with his illustrious displays in Italian football this season.

With over 20 goal contributions already, the acclaimed Portuguese superstar has shown no signs of letting up as he enters his 18th season of senior football, and he'll need to be at his usual best on Tuesday night.

As they look to add to their Supercoppa Italiana victory over Napoli earlier in January, Andrea Pirlo's side will face stiff competition in high-flying Inter Milan as two of Italy's footballing goliaths lockhorns again in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

Ronaldo's prolific record in the cup is unmatched, with seven goals to his name in the competition since his record-breaking switch from Madrid, but he hasn't always found his form against Antonio Conte's side.

We've taken an in-depth look at his past performances against them.

Stat Attack

Despite never facing them in the Coppa Italia, Ronaldo has only lost once to Inter as a Juventus player, following the 2-0 league defeat earlier this season - he has a win percentage of 60% against them in Italy.

It's been a mixed bag for CR7 in knockout competitions against Nerazzuri, and both encounters have come in Europe.

Ronaldo has won 31 senior trophies in his career

Having previously lost to them in the Champions League qualifiers with Sporting in 2002, he was on the winning side in the 2008/09 competition as his Manchester United side emerged 2-0 winners in the round of 16.

The Portuguese playmaker's two previous goals against the Milan outfit have come in the form of a header and a left-footed strike, can he complete a perfect hat-trick of goals with his trademark right foot on Tuesday?

Three of the best

Manchester United 2-0 Inter Milan (AGG: 2-0)

Champions League round of 16, second leg

March 11, 2009

Following a tense, goalless first leg in the Italian capital, Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United booked their place in the Champions League quarterfinals with a convincing 2-0 win in the reverse fixture.
An unorthodox goalscorer in Nemanja Vidic put the hosts ahead in just four minutes, leaping high to head home a Ryan Giggs scorer - the man who bagged the second of the evening however, was more than familiar with finding the net.
Utilising his immense speed, Ronaldo's well-timed late run was rewarded as he nodded home a clever cross from Wayne Rooney to extend the advantage of the reigning European champions.
He went on to score against Porto in the last eight and bag a brace and assist against Arsenal in the semis as he inspired the team towards reaching yet another European final.

Inter Milan 1-1 Juventus

Serie A

April 27, 2019

Scoring the 600th club goal of his career, CR7 equalised for The Old Lady at the San Siro as Juventus continued a professional run of form having already won the 2018/19 league title.
Radja Naingolan opened the scoring for Luciano Spalletti's side with a brilliantly audacious volley from 25-yards but a record reaching Ronaldo ensured the spoils would be shared in the second half.
In a goal worthy of the title, Miralem Pjanic laid off the number-seven who rendered Samir Handanovic a helpless bystander with a spectacular weak-footed effort at his near post.
The goal was his 27th for the Turin outfit having previously scored 450 for Real Madrid, 118 for Manchester United and five for Sporting Lisbon.

Juventus 2-0 Inter Milan

Serie A

March 8, 2020

As Coronavirus began to impact sporting events across Europe, this monumental tie was one of the first in Italy to be held behind closed doors - but the absence of fans did not deter a fiery affair between the teams and Ronaldo was heavily involved.

After a closely contested first half ended goalless, the legendary attacker provided for the game's opening goal - a short pass to Aaron Ramsey in the opposition box allowed the Welshman to break the deadlock with a simple finish.

Dybala topped off a great occasion for Bianconeri before Inter were reduced to ten men on the 80 minute mark to all but end their title hopes as the gap between the two was extended to nine.
Unbelievably, it was the first time that Cristiano hadn't scored in a league game since November 8th.

Tip of the fixture

In what is set to be a cagey affair in the Italian capital, Paddy Power are offering odds of 6/1 for the game to be level at half time and Juventus to win the second half.
(Odds accurate at time of writing)

By Owen Thompson

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