Inter Milan completed a domestic double on Wednesday after defeating Lazio 2-0 in the Coppa Italia final, adding the Italian Cup to their 21st Serie A title.
An own goal from Adam Marusic and a close-range finish by Lautaro Martinez, both in the first half, secured Inter’s 10th Italian Cup triumph and capped off a dominant domestic campaign.
“We deserved these trophies after a great season,” Inter coach Cristian Chivu told Mediaset.
“Winning the league and the cup is never something you can take for granted. We’re very happy.”
For Lazio, the defeat marked another bitter chapter in a difficult season overshadowed by fan unrest and protests against long-time owner Claudio Lotito.
Although Lazio supporters turned out in force for the final at the Stadio Olimpico, creating a vibrant atmosphere early on, frustration boiled over after Martinez doubled Inter’s lead in the 35th minute, with chants aimed at Lotito echoing around the stadium late in the match.
The club’s hardcore supporters are also expected to continue their boycott during this weekend’s Rome derby against rivals Roma — a match that could prove decisive in the race for Champions League qualification.
“I’m disappointed for the players because morale is low at the moment, and also for the fans who came back tonight in such large numbers,” said Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri.
“Tonight we simply faced a better team.”
Fresh from a convincing 3-0 win over Lazio at the same venue last weekend, Inter once again looked in complete control throughout the contest.
The Nerazzurri took the lead in the 14th minute when Marcus Thuram’s glancing header from Federico Dimarco’s corner deflected in off Marusic.
Inter doubled their advantage 20 minutes later after Nuno Tavares was caught in possession near the edge of his own box. Denzel Dumfries pounced on the loose ball and squared it for Martinez, who tapped home with ease.
The Argentine striker, whose season has been disrupted by injuries, netted his 22nd goal in all competitions this campaign.
Any hopes of a Lazio comeback faded after the break as Inter comfortably controlled the tempo and kept their opponents at arm’s length.
Luis Henrique missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-0 midway through the second half, firing wide from close range after meeting Dimarco’s low cross.
Moments later, Boulaye Dia summed up Lazio’s frustrating evening when he stumbled while shooting and bundled the ball harmlessly against Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez.
With Lazio offering little resistance, Inter calmly saw out the closing stages before celebrating another trophy-winning season at the final whistle.
AFP
