Rome Awaits as Inter and Lazio Clash for Italian Cup Glory
The Coppa Italia final returns to the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night with a heavyweight showdown between Inter Milan and SS Lazio. Just days after Inter’s commanding 3-0 Serie A victory over the Biancocelesti, the two sides meet again with silverware on the line and an entire season ready to be defined in 90 minutes — or more.
Cristian Chivu’s Inter arrive in Rome as newly crowned Serie A champions and favorites to lift the trophy, while Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio are chasing both prestige and a potential Europa League berth through cup success.
🏆 MATCH INFO
| Competition | Coppa Italia Final |
|---|---|
| Match | Lazio vs Inter |
| Date | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 21:00 CET |
| Venue | Stadio Olimpico, Rome |
| Referee | Marco Guida |
| TV (Italy) | Canale 5 |
🔵 INTER ANALYSIS — A TEAM BUILT TO WIN FINALS
Inter enter the final playing arguably their best football of the season. The Nerazzurri dominated Lazio 3-0 in league play last weekend thanks to goals from Lautaro Martínez, Petar Sučić and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, extending their unbeaten run against Lazio to nine matches in all competitions.
This has been a historic attacking campaign for Inter. The Nerazzurri have scored 118 goals across all competitions in 2025-26 — the highest total in club history since Serie A adopted a round-robin format in 1929-30.
Key Strengths
- Elite transition play
- Dangerous set pieces
- Tactical flexibility under Chivu
- Depth in attacking positions
Inter have also been devastating on dead-ball situations, scoring 27 goals from set pieces in Serie A — by far the best record in the league.
Lautaro’s Big-Game DNA
Few players embrace finals like Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine striker scored twice in the 2023 Coppa Italia final against Fiorentina and already has eight career goals against Lazio.
Thuram Watch
The biggest concern for Inter is the condition of Marcus Thuram. The French striker dealt with muscular discomfort earlier this week and remains questionable. If he cannot start, Sebastiano Esposito or Ange-Yoan Bonny could partner Lautaro in attack.
Players to Watch
- Lautaro Martínez
- Marcus Thuram
- Federico Dimarco
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu
⚪🔵 LAZIO ANALYSIS — UNDERDOGS WITH NOTHING TO LOSE
Despite the heavy defeat against Inter in Serie A, Lazio arrive in the final believing they can still salvage their season.
Sarri’s side knocked out:
- AC Milan
- Bologna FC
- Atalanta BC
to reach the final, showing resilience and composure in knockout football.
The dramatic semifinal against Atalanta was decided on penalties, where goalkeeper Edoardo Motta emerged as the hero by saving four spot kicks.
Sarri Suspended
One of the biggest storylines is the absence of Maurizio Sarri on the touchline. The Lazio manager is suspended and will watch from the stands, potentially limiting his in-game tactical influence.
Zaccagni Returns
Lazio will welcome back captain Mattia Zaccagni, whose creativity and movement are essential to the Biancocelesti attack.
Keys for Lazio
- Survive Inter’s early pressure
- Slow the midfield tempo
- Attack space behind Dimarco
- Force the match into a tactical battle
📊 HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
Coppa Italia Meetings
| Matches | Inter Wins | Lazio Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
This will only be the second Coppa Italia final between the clubs.
The Only Previous Final
Back in 2000, Lazio defeated Inter 2-1 at the Olimpico before securing the trophy with a 0-0 draw at San Siro.
Recent Trend
Inter are unbeaten in their last nine matches against Lazio across all competitions:
- 7 wins
- 2 draws
- 6 clean sheets
🕯️ A Tribute to Sinisa Mihajlovic
Before kickoff, the final will honor Sinisa Mihajlovic, one of the most beloved figures in the history of both clubs.
Former stars Christian Vieri and Alen Bokšić will carry the trophy onto the pitch during the pre-match ceremony.
Italian singer Nek will perform the Italian national anthem before kickoff.
🔮 PREDICTED LINEUPS
Lazio (4-3-3)
Provedel; Lazzari, Romagnoli, Gila, Tavares; Guendouzi, Patric, Luis Alberto; Isaksen, Noslin, Zaccagni
Inter (3-5-2)
Josep Martínez; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Sučić, Dimarco; Lautaro Martínez, Thuram (Esposito)
⚔️ TACTICAL BATTLE
The match could be decided in midfield.
Inter’s trio of Barella, Çalhanoğlu and Sučić offers more physicality, vertical passing and control, while Lazio rely on technical combinations and quick transitions through Zaccagni and Isaksen.
If Inter score early, the game could open dramatically. But if Lazio survive the initial pressure, nerves and fatigue may shift momentum toward a tense, tactical chess match.
Set pieces may also become decisive:
- Inter are the best set-piece team in Italy
- Lazio have struggled defending dead-ball situations all season
