The stage is set for a dramatic Coppa Italia final as Lazio and Inter Milan face off tonight at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome. With both teams eyeing silverware and redemption, the stakes could hardly be higher. Inter Milan, fresh off their Serie A title triumph, are chasing a coveted domestic double under manager Cristian Chivu. Lazio, meanwhile, are hoping to salvage an inconsistent season with a trophy and secure a much-needed Europa League berth. The action kicks off at 9 p.m. local time (21:00 CEST), with fans worldwide tuning in to see which club will etch their name in Italian football history.
This year’s final marks the 79th edition of the Coppa Italia, and it promises to deliver fireworks. Both clubs have recent pedigree in the tournament—Lazio last lifted the trophy in 2018-19, while Inter Milan claimed it in the 2022-23 campaign. The path to the final has been anything but straightforward. Lazio survived a nerve-shredding semifinal against Atalanta, ultimately prevailing 2-1 on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw. Inter Milan, on the other hand, pulled off a dramatic 3-2 comeback win in the second leg against Como, sealing their spot with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Tonight’s final is more than just a battle for silverware. For Inter Milan, it’s a shot at their 10th Coppa Italia title and a chance to complete a domestic double—a feat that would underscore their dominance in Italian football this season. For Lazio, the match represents a lifeline. A victory would not only deliver a trophy but also guarantee European football next season, a crucial objective after a disappointing Serie A campaign that has left them outside the top continental places.
Both sides are fielding strong lineups, with star power on display across the pitch. Inter Milan’s formidable attack is spearheaded by Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, two of the most dangerous forwards in Europe this season. Martínez, in particular, has enjoyed a sensational campaign, netting 25 goals across all competitions. He also boasts a remarkable record against Lazio, having scored eight goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances against the Biancocelesti. Thuram, despite a recent injury scare, is fit to start and will look to add to his impressive tally.
Inter’s lineup tonight features Josep Martinez in goal, with a back three of Alessandro Bastoni, Manuel Akanji, and Yann Aurel Bisseck. The midfield is packed with quality: Federico Dimarco, Petar Sučić, Piotr Zielinski, Nicolò Barella, and Denzel Dumfries provide both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Up front, the deadly duo of Martínez and Thuram will test Lazio’s defense at every opportunity.
Lazio, managed on the touchline by assistant Marco Ianni due to Maurizio Sarri’s suspension, have made crucial changes after resting key players in their recent league defeat to Inter. Mattia Zaccagni and Nuno Tavares return to the starting XI, adding pace and creativity. The lineup sees Edoardo Motta between the posts, with a defensive unit of Adam Marusic, Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli, and Nuno Tavares. The midfield trio of Toma Basic, Patric, and Kenneth Taylor will be tasked with controlling the tempo, while the attack is led by Tijjani Noslin, flanked by Zaccagni and Gustav Isaksen.
The two teams are no strangers to each other, having faced off just four days ago in Serie A at this very stadium. Inter Milan emerged 3-0 winners in that match, with goals from Martínez, Sučić, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. That result extended Inter’s dominance over Lazio in recent meetings—the Nerazzurri have now won their last three away games against Lazio, including a 6-0 thrashing last season and a 2-0 win in the 2023-24 campaign. Inter’s confidence will be sky-high, but Lazio hope that the return of their passionate ultras—who have ended a long-running boycott—will provide a crucial boost.
The statistics certainly favor Inter Milan. They have scored over 82 league goals this season and boast a defensive record of 17 clean sheets. Their passing game is among the best in Europe, with an overall completion rate of 89.4% and 85.1% in the opposition half. Lazio, by contrast, play a more direct style, completing 62.7% of their long-ball attempts in the cup. The Biancocelesti’s home form has been patchy, with only seven wins at the Stadio Olimpico, but the prospect of a trophy on home soil could inspire a turnaround.
Inter Milan’s manager Cristian Chivu has rotated his squad expertly throughout the campaign, keeping his team fresh for this crucial run-in. In the recent league encounter with Lazio, he rested key players like goalkeeper Yann Sommer and defender Stefan de Vrij, yet Inter still cruised to victory. Tonight, Hakan Calhanoglu is on the bench due to injury, but his presence in the dressing room could still provide a psychological lift.
Lazio’s journey to the final has been filled with drama. Their semifinal against Atalanta was a true test of nerves, with the tie ending 3-3 on aggregate before being decided by penalties. The club’s inconsistent league form has piled on the pressure, making tonight’s final a potential turning point. Assistant coach Marco Ianni will be under the spotlight as he guides the team in Sarri’s absence, hoping to outwit Chivu and deliver a famous victory.
Fans around the world can catch the action live. In the United States, the final is available on Paramount+, while viewers in Italy can tune in via Canale 5 and Mediaset Infinity. UK fans have access through Premier Sports, and the match is being broadcast in Canada, Australia, and several African countries as well.
As the players prepare to walk out onto the hallowed turf of the Stadio Olimpico, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Will Inter Milan complete a memorable double, or can Lazio defy the odds and claim glory in front of their home supporters? With both teams at full strength and everything on the line, this Coppa Italia final promises to be a night to remember. The football world watches as a new chapter in Italian cup history is about to be written.