Just four days after their league showdown, Lazio and Inter Milan are back at the Stadio Olimpico—this time with silverware on the line. Wednesday's Italian Cup final offers both clubs more than just a trophy; for newly crowned Serie A champion Inter, it's a chance to cement their dominance of Italian soccer, while for Lazio, it's a lifeline back into European competition.

Inter enters the match riding high after clinching the Serie A title with three rounds to spare. A win would give them the league and cup double for the first time since José Mourinho led the club to a historic treble in 2010. That season, which included the Champions League trophy, remains a golden benchmark for the Nerazzurri—and current coach Christian Chivu was part of that legendary squad. "There's no need to compare different eras," Chivu said. "Both the 2010 team and this 2026 side have brought happiness to the fans, and that's what matters most."

Chivu, in his first season at Inter after replacing Simone Inzaghi, has quickly made a name for himself following a successful stint keeping Parma in the top flight last year. A double would erase the sting of last season, when Inter was on track for a treble but fell short—finishing one point behind Napoli in Serie A, losing in the Italian Cup semifinals, and suffering a crushing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. This year, there's no treble chase after a shock elimination by Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, but the team has bounced back with purpose.

Lazio, meanwhile, faces a different kind of pressure. A win would secure a spot in European competition next season, giving the club a vital boost. However, Saturday's 3-0 league defeat to Inter was a stark reminder of the challenge ahead. Inter dominated the first half, and Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri was quick to point out where his team fell short. With both sides hungry for glory, Wednesday's final promises high stakes and high drama in Rome.