As the Coppa Italia final approaches, all eyes are on Wednesday night's showdown between Inter and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. Former Inter and Italy legend Marco Materazzi has weighed in, and he's not mincing words: his old club is the clear favorite to lift the trophy.

"Nobody would have bet even €1 on Lazio making it this far at the start of the season," Materazzi told La Gazzetta dello Sport, highlighting the gap in expectations. For Inter, this final is more than just a game—it's a chance to parade two trophies after already clinching the Serie A title. "This team is determined to conquer everything it can," he added, praising their relentless drive.

The two sides recently met in Serie A at the same venue, with Inter cruising to a 3-0 victory. That result, Materazzi believes, was a telling preview. "I saw an Inter side that didn't pull the plug. They had a goal, reached it, and didn't take their foot off the gas. It's a club where few poor decisions are made," he said, tipping his hat to manager Cristian Chivu's leadership.

Lazio, under Maurizio Sarri, have earned their spot in the final with impressive wins over Milan, Bologna, and Atalanta. Inter, meanwhile, have dispatched Venezia, Torino, and Como. Both sides boast rich histories in the competition—Inter are chasing their 10th Coppa Italia title, while Lazio aim for their eighth.

Materazzi also singled out a player who's been a revelation this season: Marcus Thuram. "I'm so happy and proud of Thuram's journey. He's been criticized, and his qualities doubted. I sent him many messages telling him not to give up and to remember how strong he is," he shared, reflecting on the forward's growth.

For fans gearing up for the final, this clash promises intensity, history, and a chance to see two storied clubs battle for glory. Whether you're backing the favorites or rooting for an underdog story, Wednesday's match is one for the books.