Sixteen years ago, in 2010, José Mourinho orchestrated Inter’s historic double—later becoming a treble with the Champions League—by clinching both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia. That squad included Christian Chivu, a man forever linked to the nerazzurri colors. Now, after winning his first major league title as Inter’s head coach, Chivu has the chance to emulate the Special One’s legacy.
The stakes are high, with around 20,000 Inter fans expected to travel to Rome for the clash against Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. Supporters are already planning to return to Milan the following day, hoping to celebrate not just one trophy but two, with an open-top bus parade scheduled for May 17.
The task won’t be easy, but Inter’s emphatic 0-3 victory at the same venue last Saturday serves as a promising omen. After managing an injury scare for Marcus Thuram, who suffered fatigue in training, Chivu will have nearly all his key players available—except for the sidelined Hakan Çalıkoğlu. This absence pushes Piotr Zieliński into the playmaker role, freeing a midfield spot between Petar Sucic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
For Lazio, with no realistic league targets left, the Coppa Italia final defines their season. A win would deliver their first trophy in seven years and revive a campaign marred by fan protests and empty stands. Before kick-off, both teams will be welcomed by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the Palazzo del Quirinale—a gesture both sides hope brings good fortune.
Probable Lineups:
Lazio: Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Basic, Patric, Taylor; Isaksen, Noslin, Zaccagni. Coach: Sarri
Inter: Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro. Coach: Chivu
Referee: Marco Guida
Kick-off: 21:00 CET
