Lazio and Inter Milan will battle for the 25/26 Coppa Italia glory on Wednesday night at a packed Stadio Olimpico with both sides looking to end the season on a high in one of Italian football’s biggest occasions.
Just days after meeting in Serie A, the two sides renew their rivalry in Rome with silverware now on the line.
Inter Milan arrive in the capital full of confidence after already sealing the 25/26 Serie A title with matches to spare.
Cristian Chivu’s side underlined their dominance at the weekend with a commanding 3-0 victory over Lazio in what served as a dress rehearsal for the final.
Even with several changes to the lineup, the Nerazzurri controlled large spells of the contest and exposed Lazio’s defensive vulnerabilities with quick transitions and sharp movement in the attacking third.
The Milan giants are now chasing a domestic double and have shown remarkable consistency over the last two months. Inter are unbeaten in their previous seven matches across all competitions and have scored at least twice in each of those fixtures.
Their attacking partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram has been one of the most dangerous combinations in Europe this season, with both forwards thriving in Chivu’s fluid attacking setup.
Inter’s recent record against Lazio will also hand them a psychological edge heading into the final. The Nerazzurri have won each of their last three visits to the Olimpico against the Biancocelesti without conceding a single goal, scoring 11 times during that run.
Lazio, meanwhile, are hoping the cup final can rescue what has otherwise been a frustrating campaign. Maurizio Sarri’s side have struggled for consistency in Serie A and are now unlikely to qualify for European football through the league.
Their route to the final, however, has been impressive, eliminating AC Milan, Bologna and Atalanta in difficult knockout ties.
The Rome outfit will need a far more disciplined performance compared to the weekend defeat if they are to stand any chance against the champions.
Lazio have looked vulnerable defensively at times this season, particularly against sides capable of pressing high and attacking with pace through central areas.
Still, playing in front of their own supporters at the Olimpico could inspire a response, especially in a one-off final where momentum can quickly swing.
What time does Lazio vs Inter Milan start?
Kick-off is at 10:00 PM (EAT) on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Lazio vs Inter Milan team news
Lazio will be boosted by the return of captain Mattia Zaccagni, who missed the recent league clash against Inter through injury. Alessio Romagnoli is also available despite being sent off in Serie A, as his suspension only applies to league matches.
Maurizio Sarri still has several fitness concerns to manage, with Matteo Cancellieri, Danilo Cataldi and Patric all struggling with muscular problems. Goalkeepers Ivan Provedel and Alessio Furlanetto remain unavailable.
In attack, Sarri is expected to rely on Gustav Isaksen and Zaccagni to provide width and creativity, while Tijjani Noslin could once again lead the line.
Inter Milan have very few injury concerns heading into the final. Hakan Calhanoglu remains sidelined with a thigh problem, but the rest of the squad is largely available for selection.
Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez are expected to start together in attack after both enjoyed excellent seasons in front of goal. Thuram has been in red-hot form recently, while Lautaro continues to lead the Serie A scoring charts after finding the net against Lazio at the weekend.
Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are expected to anchor the midfield, while Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries will provide width from wing-back positions.
Predicted Lineups
Lazio possible starting XI: Motta; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Basic, Patric, Taylor; Isaksen, Noslin, Zaccagni
Inter Milan possible starting XI: J. Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Zielinski, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martinez
Lazio vs Inter Milan h2h record, previous meeting and current form
Inter Milan dominated the most recent meeting between the two sides with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Serie A last weekend. The Nerazzurri have also won the last three meetings in Rome by an aggregate score of 11-0, highlighting their recent superiority in this fixture.
Lazio have shown resilience in the Coppa Italia this season, but their overall form has been inconsistent, alternating between strong performances and disappointing defeats. Inter, on the other hand, have looked relentless both domestically and in cup competitions, carrying momentum into the final.
The Nerazzurri’s attacking depth, midfield control and defensive organisation make them favourites heading into Wednesday’s showdown.
Lazio vs Inter prediction
Lazio are capable of causing problems in transition, particularly through Isaksen and Zaccagni on the flanks, but Inter’s tactical balance and clinical finishing should give them the upper hand over 90 minutes.
The champions have looked sharp in recent weeks and possess greater quality across the pitch, especially in midfield and attack. If Thuram and Lautaro find space behind Lazio’s backline, Inter could once again prove too strong for Sarri’s side.