Inter Milan secure domestic double with Coppa Italia triumph

Inter Milan completed a remarkable domestic double on Wednesday night after defeating Lazio 2-0 in the Coppa Italia final, adding the Italian Cup to their Serie A triumph in a season that further underlined the Nerazzurri’s dominance in Italian football.

Played at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, the final never truly reached the tension expected from a major domestic cup showdown, as Chivu’s side controlled proceedings from start to finish against an underwhelming Lazio team.

The victory secured Inter’s 10th Coppa Italia title and capped another memorable campaign for a squad that has consistently delivered in decisive moments throughout the season.

Having already dismantled Lazio 3-0 at the same venue just days earlier in league action, Inter entered the final full of confidence and quickly imposed themselves on the contest.

The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute through a fortunate but deserved opening goal. Federico Dimarco’s dangerous corner caused problems inside the Lazio penalty area before Marcus Thuram’s mistimed header deflected off defender Adam Marusic and into the net.

From that moment onward, Inter rarely looked troubled.

Lazio struggled to establish rhythm in possession, while Inter’s midfield and wing-backs dictated the tempo with calm authority. The second goal arrived midway through the first half following a costly lapse from Nuno Tavares near the edge of his own area.

Denzel Dumfries reacted sharply to steal possession before squaring for Lautaro Martinez, who made no mistake from close range to double Inter’s advantage.

The Argentine forward, who has endured injury interruptions during the season, took his tally to 22 goals in all competitions with another clinical finish on a major occasion.

With a two-goal cushion established before half-time, Inter expertly managed the second half and prevented Lazio from mounting any serious comeback attempt.

Luis Henrique came close to extending the lead after meeting another dangerous Dimarco delivery, but his effort flashed narrowly wide. Lazio’s frustrations were then summed up by Boulaye Dia’s awkward missed opportunity after stumbling while attempting a close-range finish.

Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez was largely a spectator throughout the night as Lazio failed to produce the attacking intensity required to challenge the Serie A champions.

The result deepened the gloom surrounding Lazio’s difficult season, which has been overshadowed by growing supporter unrest directed at club owner Claudio Lotito.

Although Lazio fans created a strong atmosphere before kick-off, frustration increasingly took over as the game slipped away, with chants aimed at the club hierarchy echoing around the stadium late in the contest.

The club now faces renewed pressure ahead of a crucial Rome derby against rivals Roma, with Champions League qualification still hanging in the balance.

For Inter, however, the night represented another statement of stability, depth and elite-level consistency under Inzaghi.

Players such as Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries have all played central roles in a season that has restored Inter’s position at the summit of Italian football.

Completing the domestic double also strengthens Inter’s momentum heading into next season, with expectations now growing for the club to translate domestic superiority into a stronger challenge on the European stage.

SportsLigue