Four Reasons Why Lazio Can Beat Inter Milan in Coppa Italia Final

If there has ever been a match that defined an entire season, the description perfectly applies to Lazio and their Coppa Italia final clash against Inter Milan.

Fresh from reclaiming the Italian crown by mathematically sealing the Scudetto race, the Nerazzurri will enter May 13th’s showdown as the ultimate favorites according to the odds of every reputable football betting platform. After all, the team that routed all competition to clinch the title with three rounds to spare is expected to beat a club that spent the entire campaign floating in midtable.

And yet, you can write off the Biancocelesti at your own peril, as we have several reasons to believe that Maurizio Sarri’s men can cause a major upset and deliver the club’s eighth cup triumph.

Lazio Hit Top Form Right on Time

Had this fixture occurred earlier in the campaign, very few Lazio supporters would have been optimistic about getting away with a result. Blighted by their off-the-pitch issues, the Aquile started the campaign on a poor note. Nevertheless, they have recently turned the page, especially since the beginning of March, when they beat Sassuolo, AC Milan, and Bologna in three successive league rounds.

In their last 10 games across all competitions, Lazio have only lost once to Fiorentina, suggesting that the team has hit its stride when it matters most.

Timely Returns from Injury

Unfortunately for Sarri, he has been dealing with almost never-ending injury crisis since the start of the season.

But while the treatment room hasn’t been completely emptied, the situation has significantly eased in recent weeks, especially with Mattia Zaccagni and Nicolo Rovella making timely returns from injury. The latter’s addition could be absolutely crucial, as his playmaking skills have been dearly missed this season.

Finally, Mario Gila is also expected to be available just in time to take on Inter Milan, who happen to be one of his many top suitors.

The Right Tactical Approach

Although halting Inter’s attacking machine remains a daunting task, Lazio tend to thrive against big teams who push forward and leave spaces at the back. Slowly but surely, the Aquile have mastered Sarri’s counterattacking system, putting it to good use against the likes of Juventus, Napoli, Bologna and Milan.

But can they replicate this trick against the new Italian champions?

Bigger Motive

Inter will be keen to win their 10th Coppa Italia and place a silver star on their crest. However, their main objective for the season has already been achieved, and the cup only represents an extra piece of silverware, in addition to the domestic double’s bragging rights.

On the other hand, Lazio have comprehensively higher stakes, as this fixture will have major implications on the club’s project, with many things hinging on Europa League qualification, including the transfer market plans, Claudio Lotito’s status among the supporters, and perhaps even Sarri’s future.

Therefore, it remains to be seen if this extra desire will be enough to propel Lazio towards an unexpected triumph in this most unusual of seasons.