First league and cup sweep since 2010 cements Christian Chivu’s debut season; Lautaro Martínez strikes as Lazio defensive errors gift Inter 2-0 victory.
Inter Milan officially reclaimed its throne at the summit of Italian football on Wednesday night, defeating Lazio 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico to secure the Coppa Italia and complete a prestigious domestic double.
The triumph marks the first time the Nerazzurri have won both Serie A and the Italian Cup in the same season since the legendary Treble-winning campaign of 2010 under José Mourinho. For manager Christian Chivu, the victory is a poetic full-circle moment; the Romanian was a key defender in that 2010 squad and has now masterminded a return to dominance in his first year in the dugout.
The double serves as a powerful act of redemption for a squad that was left reeling just twelve months ago. Under previous management, Inter suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final and narrowly missed out on the league title to Napoli.
“It wasn’t easy to start again after what happened last year,” admitted captain Lautaro Martínez, who was awarded a “10 out of 10” rating by his teammates for his leadership this season. “But we managed to have a great season in our performances, results, and intensity. I’m happy to finish with another trophy that matters a lot to us.”
While Inter played with their trademark clinical intensity, Lazio proved to be their own worst enemies in the capital. The deadlock was broken in the 14th minute when Federico Dimarco swung in a corner that Adam Marušić inadvertently headed into his own net.
Lazio’s hopes of a comeback were effectively extinguished by another unforced error, this time from Nuno Tavares. The defender was dispossessed on the edge of the area by Denzel Dumfries, who squared the ball for Martínez. The Argentine striker made no mistake, tapping into an empty net to record one of the simplest goals of his prolific campaign.
The appointment of Chivu last summer—following a successful stint helping Parma avoid relegation—was seen by some as a gamble. However, the 45-year-old has revitalized the dressing room, blending tactical discipline with the fighting spirit he once displayed as a player.
Inter’s dominance was evident throughout the week; they had already dismantled Lazio 3-0 in a league “dress rehearsal” just days prior. Having clinched the Scudetto with three games to spare, the addition of the Coppa Italia confirms Inter as the undisputed force in Italy.
As the blue and black streamers fell over the Olimpico pitch, the message was clear: the ghosts of last year’s European collapse have been exorcised, replaced by the clinical efficiency of a team that finally knows how to win again.
Follow us @Sportscliffs on Twitter and Instagram and also like our facebook page
