When Christian Vieri talks about Inter Milan, you listen. And ahead of Wednesday's Coppa Italia final against Lazio, the legendary striker has made his prediction clear: Inter will win, and this is just the beginning for coach Cristian Chivu.

Speaking with his trademark directness to Gazzetta dello Sport, Vieri—who played for both clubs during his storied career—didn't hold back. "Inter is by far the best team in Italy and obviously starts as favourite," he said. But he also offered a warning: "Watch out for Lazio. They have had a thousand problems this year, but one victory can redeem everything, and that puts you on the pitch with a knife between your teeth."

Vieri's confidence in Chivu is unwavering. The Romanian manager, still early in his coaching career, has already guided Inter to the Serie A title. "He does not think, unlike many in Italy, that everything is always a drama," Vieri said. "It was not a drama to lose those points at the start of the season—they were needed to find the right path. Chivu has shown he is excellent because he knew those tensions during the Club World Cup were just toxins to be removed in due course. The squad was always strong. I never doubted the coach, even without much experience, and now he is champion of Italy. And this is just the beginning."

Vieri also highlighted the collective mentality driving Inter's success. "The players tire themselves out, from Dimarco to Dumfries, to Calha, who will be missed in this final. And then Zielinski, back to this level also because of a stroke of genius from the coach."

On Lautaro Martinez, Vieri was bullish about his long-term legacy. "He could become the greatest scorer in Inter's history," he said, underscoring the Argentine's growing importance to the club. As Wednesday's final approaches, one thing is clear: Vieri believes this Inter side is built for sustained greatness, not just a single trophy.