In the end, it will be Inter and Lazio competing for the Coppa Italia. While this was expected in Inter\u2019s case, the situation is very different for Lazio.
Anyway, let us take it step by step. Cristian Chivu’s side managed to get the better of Como at the end of a thrilling match. As had already happened in the league a few days earlier, Como had taken the lead after an excellent performance, especially in the first part of the match, but in the end carelessness and a lack of experience proved costly for Cesc Fabregas’s team.
Como were two goals ahead and the match seemed, objectively speaking, to be over when Hakan Calhanoglu made it 1-2. Assane Diao had the chance to make it 1-3, which would have sealed the match and knocked the wind out of Inter’s sails, but it was not to be. Inter slowly turned things around, first equalising and then winning the match, thanks to a great performance of Petar Sucic.
It was a bitter blow for Como, who were just a few steps away from the Coppa Italia final and a chance to win a major trophy, especially after having knocked out the strongest team in the competition. No one expected them to reach the final or win the cup, but once you get that close to the biggest prize, falling short hurts even more.
Como and Fabregas can learn a lot from this experience and let's not forget that the semi-final is already great result for them. Despite several moments of difficulty and anxiety, the Nerazzurri are now in contention for a double. The league title is almost secured, or at least it seems highly unlikely that any chasing team can overtake Inter. In the cup, standing between them and victory is Lazio. Surprisingly, the other finalist is the team managed by Maurizio Sarri.
No-one imagined this
At the start of the season, no one could have imagined such a scenario. Sarri and his players have faced ups and downs, including a frozen transfer market and other issues. The former Napoli manager has stayed the course and kept the squad united and they overcame Raffaele Palladino’s Atalanta on penalties.
The match was largely one sided, with Gianluca Scamacca and his teammates creating plenty of chances to take the lead or secure the win, including two disallowed goals. In the end, however, Lazio showed resilience and determination to reach the final at all costs. First came a performance full of heart and pride, followed by a dream night for young goalkeeper Edoardo Motta, who produced several memorable saves that will remain etched in the minds of Lazio supporters.
After the match, Atalanta complained about several refereeing decisions, and there is certainly room for debate, but the result stands and it was Lazio who came out smiling. It is almost a miracle considering the context in which Sarri and his players have been working, amid tensions with management, ownership, and even the fans, who have been protesting against Claudio Lotito for a long time.
No one expected Lazio to reach the Coppa Italia final and this achievement is a great credit to Sarri. At the same time, it should give Lotito something to think about, as his manager has shown he can handle every kind of crisis. The final obstacle is Inter, the strongest team in Italy, who may well arrive with a clear mind and be able to focus entirely on the Coppa Italia final. It will not be easy for either side, even if Inter are the favourites.
Lazio, however, seem to be experiencing one of those rare and magical seasons where, despite all the problems, something positive emerges in the end. Chivu versus Sarri, two very different managers. It will be either a double and glory for the former, or redemption and unexpected joy for the latter. Who will win?