Inter face Palermo at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome tomorrow evening in this year's Coppa Italia final. Inter’s run of five straight Scudetto wins came to an end this season, but if they win tomorrow they will at least be able to return one of the three trophies which they won last year to the cabinet.
Both of these sides had to rely on penalty shoot-outs to make it through the quarter-final stage of this competition. Palermo then went on to beat Champions AC Milan in their semi-final, while Inter dispatched with Roma. Palermo have never won this competition, though their coach Delio Rossi won it two years ago while he was in charge at Lazio. Rossi’s tempestuous relationship with club president Maurizio Zamparini continues to draw speculation, and there are rumours that they may part company for the second time this season after the final – despite the fact that Palermo have only lost twice since Rossi's return in April. By bringing his team to the final, Rossi has already guaranteed Europa League football for Palermo as their opponents Inter will be participating in the Champions League. Zamparini compared his relationship with Rossi to a marriage in recent weeks: “He is like my wife…You can argue, but you stay together.”
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| Rossi is aiming for his second Coppa Italia win in three years |
Inter coach Leonardo is hoping to win his first trophy since taking charge in January. He has a perfect home record in the league with Inter, and they have been scoring plenty of goals, but their defence is a lot less watertight than it was last year under Jose Mourinho. The nature of their Champions League exit also raises questions about the mental fortitude of this Inter team, who also looked uncertain in the final minutes of their cup semi-final against Roma. Talented Brazilian full-back Maicon is suspended for this game, but midfielder Wesley Sneijder has recovered from injury and is expected to start. Palermo defender Cesare Bovo and midfielder Armin Bacinovic are also suspended.
Inter have beaten Palermo twice in the league this season, recovering from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 in the last encounter between these two teams. Palermo will be well motivated however, and Rossi’s impressive tactical knowledge was a key factor in helping his side overcome Milan in the semi-final. Palermo +1 looks like a tempting bet at evens, as they are capable of taking the game into extra time at least. However I am expecting to see an attacking final tomorrow, and I don't think either goalkeeper will manage to maintain a clean sheet.
Prediction – both teams to score – 5pts
Match odds: Inter 3/4
Draw 7/2
Palermo 5/2
Both Teams To Score 4/6
