The stage is set for a thrilling Coppa Italia final as Inter Milan and Lazio prepare to clash at the Stadio Olimpico next week, with the Nerazzurri eyeing their first domestic double in over a decade.

This mouthwatering showdown will be a double-header of sorts, as these old rivals also meet in Serie A this weekend, though under vastly different circumstances. For Inter, it's a chance to cement their legacy; for Lazio, it's an opportunity to play spoiler.

Inter arrives with momentum, having dethroned Napoli to claim their 21st Serie A title last weekend. At the helm is Cristian Chivu, who at 45 became only the fourth manager in Serie A history to win the Scudetto before turning 50. When Beppe Marotta appointed the Romanian last summer—his first senior management role—many raised eyebrows. Ten months later, Chivu is on the brink of joining the legendary Jose Mourinho as the only Inter coaches to secure the domestic double, a feat last achieved in 2010.

Chivu's impact has been transformative. After a heartbreaking 2024/25 campaign that saw Inter lose the Scudetto on the final day and suffer Champions League final agony, he has restored confidence and grit to the squad. Despite a frustrating European exit to Bodo/Glimt, his debut season could end in glory with a landmark 10th Coppa Italia title.

Standing in his way is Lazio's veteran tactician Maurizio Sarri, who is chasing his first trophy with the Biancocelesti since 2019—and possibly his last in charge. Sarri knows a thing or two about upsetting the odds, and his side will be hungry to end Inter's dominance in this fixture.

History favors the Nerazzurri, who are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Lazio. In November, goals from Lautaro Martinez and Ange-Yoan Bonny secured a comfortable 2-0 win, and Inter will draw confidence from that performance. Yet, in a one-off final, anything can happen—and that's what makes the Coppa Italia so captivating.