Inter beat Lazio to win Italian Cup and complete domestic double

ROME: Inter Milan completed a domestic double on Wednesday by beating Lazio 2-0 in the Italian Cup final, adding the trophy to their 21st Serie A title.

Inter secured their 10th Italian Cup with both goals coming in the first half at the Stadio Olimpico. The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute when Marcus Thuram's mistimed header from a Federico Dimarco corner deflected in off Lazio defender Adam Marusic for an own goal.

Inter then doubled their advantage 20 minutes later after Lazio were caught in possession near the edge of their own area. Nuno Tavares hesitated on the ball, allowing Denzel Dumfries to win it and square for Lautaro Martinez, who finished from close range.

The Argentina forward has missed large parts of the season through injury, took his tally to 22 goals in all competitions this term with the strike.

Inter were largely in control throughout and rarely looked troubled after going ahead. The team had also beaten Lazio 3-0 at the same stadium at the weekend, and Wednesday's final followed a similarly one-sided pattern.

Lazio offered little in attack and struggled to create meaningful openings. Inter had a chance to extend the lead further with 20 minutes remaining, but Luis Henrique fired wide from close range after meeting a low volleyed cross from Dimarco.

Shortly afterwards, Boulaye Dia wasted one of Lazio's few opportunities when he stumbled and sent his effort against the head of Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

With the contest effectively settled before the interval, the second half unfolded at a subdued pace as Inter comfortably saw out the match before lifting the trophy.

Lazio end difficult season on another low

For Lazio, the defeat marked another setback in a long and difficult season. Their hardcore supporters have been boycotting home matches in protest against the stewardship of long-time owner Claudio Lotito.

Lazio fans did attend the final and created a loud atmosphere until Martinez scored Inter's second goal. Near the end of the match, they chanted

Lotito piece of shit

in the direction of the club owner.

Those supporters will again stay away at the weekend for the Rome derby, a match in which local rivals Roma could move closer to the Champions League.

Inter, by contrast, finished the night with another piece of silverware after pairing cup success with the league crown in a commanding domestic campaign.