The reigning Serie A champions, Inter Milan, showed no signs of slowing down as they cruised to a dominant 3-0 victory over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. With the Scudetto already secured, the Nerazzurri delivered a statement performance, proving that their hunger for success is far from satisfied.
Goals from Lautaro Martinez, Petar Sucic, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan powered Inter to the win, while Lazio's Alessio Romagnoli was sent off, adding to a frustrating evening for the hosts. The result sets the stage for an intriguing rematch, as these two sides are scheduled to meet again at the same venue on Wednesday, May 13, for the Coppa Italia Final.
Inter manager Cristian Chivu took the opportunity to rotate his squad, resting key players after their title celebrations. However, the depth of the squad was on full display. Lautaro Martinez, returning from a muscular issue, wasted no time making his presence felt. Just six minutes into the match, Marcus Thuram flicked on a long throw-in, and Martinez volleyed home from close range to open the scoring.
The visitors doubled their lead before halftime through a moment of brilliance. Petar Sucic, combining beautifully with Martinez and Andy Diouf, curled a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner from the edge of the box. It was a goal worthy of a champion and left Lazio with a mountain to climb.
Lazio's night went from bad to worse when Alessio Romagnoli was shown a red card, reducing the home side to ten men. Inter capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan adding a third goal to seal the emphatic victory.
For the fans, the atmosphere was notably subdued, as both sets of supporters chose to stay outside the stadium in protest against Lazio president Claudio Lotito. But on the pitch, there was no shortage of action. Inter's relentless pressure and clinical finishing were a reminder of why they are the champions of Italy.
As attention turns to the Coppa Italia Final, Inter will carry this momentum into the clash, while Lazio will look to regroup and seek redemption. One thing is certain: these two teams are set for another thrilling encounter under the lights of Rome.