News Focus
- Inter Milan secure their tenth Coppa Italia trophy with victory at the Stadio Olimpico
- The club completes a domestic Double for the first time since Jose Mourinho’s 2010 Treble
- Captain Lautaro Martinez scores and praises the squad’s recovery from last season’s disappointment
- Denzel Dumfries returns from serious ankle surgery to provide the crucial assist
- The Dutch defender wins the MVP award and jokes that Martinez was frustrated with his assist record
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has spoken about the challenge of winning both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia this season. The Argentine striker explained that the team had to show great mental strength to bounce back after finishing the previous campaign without any trophies.
The Nerazzurri claimed their tenth Coppa Italia crown at the Stadio Olimpico. This victory also marks the first time the club has achieved the domestic Double since Jose Mourinho guided them to a historic Treble in 2010.
The final was effectively decided during the opening forty-five minutes. Lazio defender Adam Marusic accidentally headed the ball into his own net following a corner from Federico Dimarco. Denzel Dumfries then dispossessed Nuno Tavares and supplied a simple pass for Martinez to convert.
“This means everything to us,” Martinez told Sport Mediaset. “People do not realise how hard we have worked. We ended last season with empty hands and our manager left, so to come back and finish this way is truly special. We have shown real intensity and quality throughout the year.”
The captain also paid tribute to coach Cristian Chivu, giving him a perfect rating. “We would give Chivu ten out of ten. He has supported us enormously during this period,” Martinez added.
The triumph represents a remarkable turnaround for a side that was distraught twelve months ago. Simone Inzaghi departed the club following their defeat in the Champions League final last season.
Dumfries had missed much of the current campaign recovering from a serious ankle operation. However, the Netherlands international made a decisive impact by setting up Martinez for the second goal.
“I am delighted to be back on the pitch,” Dumfries said. “It was a difficult time with the injury and surgery. I am pleased I could help the team tonight. I know Lauti was a bit cross with me because I have not given him enough assists this season,” he joked.
The Lega Serie A named Dumfries as the Most Valuable Player of the final match.