Nigeria: Inter Milan crush Lazio in Serie A title celebration, Coppa Italia final rehearsal

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Inter Milan capped off their Serie A title triumph with a commanding 3-0 victory over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, May 11, 2026, in a match that doubled as a dress rehearsal for next week’s Coppa Italia final.

Goals from captain Lautaro Martinez, midfielder Petar Sucic, and veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured a dominant win for the newly crowned champions. The result gives Inter momentum heading into Wednesday night’s cup final against the same opponent at the same venue, where they will have the chance to complete a domestic league and cup double.

Inter approached the match with the confidence of a side that had already secured the Scudetto with weeks to spare. From the opening whistle, Simone Inzaghi’s team controlled possession and dictated the tempo, frustrating a Lazio side that struggled to create clear chances.

Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring midway through the first half, converting from close range after a well-worked team move down the right flank. The Argentine forward, who has been central to Inter’s attacking output all season, celebrated by gesturing to the traveling Inter supporters packed into one end of the stadium.

Petar Sucic doubled the lead early in the second half with a composed finish following a counterattack. The Croatian midfielder, who has grown into a key figure in midfield this season, capped a strong individual performance with his first Serie A goal of the campaign.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan sealed the victory in the 78th minute, curling a left-footed strike into the far corner after cutting in from the left. The 37-year-old Armenian continues to defy age with consistent performances and now has double figures for goals and assists this season.

The match was played in an unusual atmosphere due to an ongoing boycott by the majority of Lazio supporters. For months, hardcore Lazio fans have stayed away from home games in protest against club owner Claudio Lotito’s management of the club. Their absence left large sections of the Stadio Olimpico empty, with only a small contingent of Lazio fans present.

In contrast, thousands of Inter supporters made the trip to Rome and dominated the stands with chants and celebrations. The presence of away fans turned the fixture into a de facto home game for Inter, adding to the celebratory mood.

Adding to the unusual scene, hardcore Lazio and Inter ultras, who share a long-standing relationship rooted partly in similar hard-right political affiliations, gathered together in the Ponte Milvio neighborhood during the match. The unusual alliance between rival fan groups has been a feature of Italian football for years, though it rarely plays out on match days.

While Saturday’s win had little bearing on the league table, it carried significant psychological weight ahead of Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final. Both teams will meet again at the Stadio Olimpico, with Inter seeking to add the domestic cup to their Serie A title and Lazio aiming to salvage silverware from a disappointing season.

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi downplayed the idea that the result would have a decisive impact on the final, but acknowledged the importance of maintaining momentum.

“It was important to play with the right attitude and respect the competition,” Inzaghi said post-match. “The final will be a different game, but we want to finish the season with another trophy.”

Lazio manager Marco Baroni admitted his side was outplayed but urged his players to use the defeat as motivation for the final

Inter’s victory leaves them 15 points clear at the top of Serie A with three matches remaining. Napoli, who host Bologna on Monday night, remain mathematically in contention but have not yet secured Champions League qualification for next season.

The battle for top-four places remains tight. Juventus, managed by Luciano Spalletti, played Lecce in Saturday’s late match and sit just one point ahead of fifth-placed Roma. Roma, who have enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks, travel to Parma on Sunday evening. 

AC Milan, currently third and only three points ahead of Roma, host Atalanta in another crucial fixture that could shape the final Champions League spots.

Inter’s 2025-26 campaign has been one of dominance and consistency. Inzaghi’s side combined defensive solidity with attacking efficiency, losing only twice in the league all season. Their 15-point lead reflects not just their own excellence but also the inconsistency of their main rivals.

The team has balanced experience and youth effectively. Veterans like Mkhitaryan, Francesco Acerbi, and Yann Sommer have provided leadership, while younger players such as Sucic, Davide Frattesi, and Marcus Thuram have stepped up at key moments.

Lautaro Martinez’s leadership as captain has also been a defining feature. The Argentine has led by example on and off the pitch, and his goal-scoring form has been crucial in tight matches throughout the season.

Wednesday’s final offers Inter the chance to complete a domestic double for the first time since 2011. Winning the Coppa Italia would also mark a successful conclusion to Inzaghi’s fourth season in charge, amid speculation about his future amid interest from clubs abroad.

For Lazio, the final represents a chance to end the season on a high and give their fans something to celebrate after months of protest and frustration. A win would secure European qualification and provide momentum heading into a summer of expected squad changes.

The match is expected to draw a near-capacity crowd, with both sets of fans expected to return for the cup final despite the ongoing boycott. Italian authorities have already increased security measures to manage the fixture.

With the league title secured, Inter are expected to rotate their squad in the remaining Serie A fixtures to keep players fresh for the cup final and for next season’s Champions League campaign. Inzaghi has indicated that he will use the final league games to give minutes to fringe players and assess options for next season.

For Lazio, the priority is clear: regroup, recover, and prepare for a shot at silverware. A win in the Coppa Italia would change the narrative around their season and provide a platform for rebuilding under Baroni.

As the season enters its final week, Inter stand on the brink of a historic domestic double, while Lazio have one last chance to salvage pride and silverware from a turbulent campaign.