Inter clinched a historic domestic double on a tense night at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, defeating Lazio 2-0 in the Coppa Italia final. The Nerazzurri, fresh from a dominant Serie A triumph, added a tenth Coppa Italia to their trophy cabinet thanks to an early own goal from Adam Marusic and a clinical finish by Lautaro Martinez. A late melee sparked by Pedro's reckless tackle on Dimarco nearly marred the occasion, but Cristian Chivu's side maintained composure to secure the silverware.
The victory marks Inter's second double in the club's history and cements Chivu's extraordinary debut season in management. Having already wrapped up the Scudetto with games to spare, the Romanian coach has now added a cup to a nearly perfect campaign. For Lazio, the defeat not only meant a lost final but also the definitive end of their hopes for Europa League qualification—a bitter pill for Maurizio Sarri's team, who had ridden a wave of unexpected cup heroics to reach this stage.
Pre-match sentiments reflected the contrast in expectations. Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani confessed that reaching the final was a surprise after a squad overhaul, crediting goalkeeper Motta's penalty saves in earlier rounds. In the Inter camp, president Beppe Marotta spoke of the 'decima' Coppa Italia as a metaphorical star on the club's crest, even if league rules forbid a physical emblem. The atmosphere crackled as the two sets of fans created a wall of noise.
The game unravelled swiftly for Lazio. In the 15th minute, a precise cross from Dimarco curled into the box, where Marusic's mistimed header looped agonisingly over Motta and into his own net. The own goal epitomised the defensive uncertainty that has dogged Sarri's tenure, and Inter ruthlessly exploited the gift. Despite spells of pressing from Lazio, Chivu's men dominated possession (71% in the first half) and peppered Motta's goal with eight attempts, forcing the shotstopper into several saves.
The killer blow arrived in the 35th minute via a catastrophic error from Nuno Tavares. The left-back's aimless back pass was pounced on by Dumfries, who squared for Martinez to tap into an empty net. The Argentine's goal—his latest in a string of big-game strikes—effectively ended the contest. Martinez had vowed pre-match that his team's hunger for trophies was insatiable, and his predatory finish underscored that desire.
Lazio chased the game in the second half, with Sarri throwing on Rovella, Lazzari, Dia and Pedro. The changes injected some urgency, but clear chances remained elusive. Dia had the best opportunity when he raced through on goal, only to fire straight at Josep Martinez. Isaksen and Noslin squandered counter-attacks, their indecision reflecting a team lacking the cutting edge required on the grandest stage.
The match's ugliest flashpoint erupted late on when Pedro lunged viciously into Dimarco, drawing a yellow card and provoking a mass confrontation. Players from both sides squared up, with Dimarco and Zaccagni also booked as tempers boiled over. Referee Guida eventually restored order, but the incident cast a shadow over the final moments. It was a sour note in a match that had long been decided.
Inter's triumph was built on the solidity orchestrated by Chivu. The back three of Bisseck, Akanji and Bastoni repelled Lazio's sporadic attacks, while Barella and Zielinski dictated midfield rhythms. The coach had urged his players to remain serene and enjoy the occasion, and they responded with a mature display. Martinez's goal added to his reputation as a decisive figure in finals, while the collective defensive effort ensured a seventh clean sheet in the competition.
For Lazio, the loss exposes the gulf between ambition and execution. Sarri had hoped to deliver a trophy for the long-suffering fans, but individual errors proved fatal—a recurring theme this season. The own goal and Tavares' blunder were symptomatic of costly lapses that have undermined the team's progress. With European football now out of reach, a summer of introspection and rebuilding beckons at the Stadio Olimpico.
Inter's double confirms their status as the dominant force in Italian football. The appointment of Chivu, a former player with no senior coaching experience, was a gamble that has paid off spectacularly. The Romanian has fostered a winning mentality that blends tactical discipline with attacking flair, and the Nerazzurri have now collected two major trophies in a campaign that also saw them impress in Europe.
As the final whistle blew, Inter's players and fans erupted in celebration, while Lazio's contingent crumpled in despair. The image of Martinez hoisting the trophy capped a season that will be remembered as one of the club's most glorious. The Nerazzurri have reestablished themselves as Italy's premier power, and this Coppa Italia victory will forever be a cornerstone of Chivu's burgeoning legacy.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
