"When the Nerazzurri sealed their 21st league title at the start of this month, their head coach did his best to get out of the limelight, thanking supporters then retiring to the changing rooms for a cigarette. At his scheduled post-game press conference, he appeared only long enough to introduce his coaching staff and say it was their turn to take the applause. A selfless gesture, if perhaps also a reflection of the fact that he did not feel ready to celebrate."
"In a brief interview for TV, Chivu expressed happiness for his players then added: I don't want to be a hypocrite, but I'm thinking about the Coppa Italia final. That mental energy was clearly not wasted. Inter made short work of Lazio to complete their third-ever domestic double on Wednesday night, with a 2-0 win that was done and dusted by the 35th minute."
"The opening goal came after less than a quarter of an hour, Adam Marusic heading into his own goal from Federico Dimarco's corner. Next Denzel Dumfries jumped on a moment of inattention by the Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares, stealing possession and squaring for Lautaro Martinez to make a simple finish at the back post. There was no real threat of a fightback."
"Lazio's best opportunity arrived when the substitute Boulaye Dia got goalside of Manuel Akanji in the 75th minute, but the ball bounced awkwardly and his shot pinged up into the face of goalkeeper Josep Martinez. In the end, this was simply a mismatch: the best team in Italy swatting aside opponents who lacked the tools to compete. This final was taking place in Lazio's home venue, the Stadio Olimpico, but Inter had already thumped them 3-0 here in a league game four days earlier."
Inter secured a 2-0 Coppa Italia final win over Lazio to complete a domestic double. The match was decided quickly, with the first goal arriving after less than a quarter of an hour when Adam Marusic headed into his own net from Federico Dimarco’s corner. Denzel Dumfries then capitalized on a lapse by Nuno Tavares, stealing possession and squaring for Lautaro Martinez to finish at the back post. Lazio created limited chances, including efforts by Gustav Isaksen and Tijjani Noslin. A late opportunity for Boulaye Dia was thwarted when his shot bounced awkwardly and struck goalkeeper Josep Martinez. Inter’s control left little room for a comeback.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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