Inter Milan wins Coppa Italia
After a breathtaking Champions League final match played at Wembley, all eyes focused on who would come out triumphs at Coppa Italia, the cup competition at Italy as Inter Milan and high flying Palermo squared off against each other. And Samuel Eto’o struck twice to hand their beleaguered coach Leonardo their first title as they romped home Palermo 3-1 at Rome’s Olympic Stadium. It was the seventh time the blue half of Milan won the competition.
Inter Milan have endured a frustrating season to say the least. After a treble winning season under Mourinho when they were absolutely perfect, Rafael Benitez stepped in Mourinho’s shoes but could not muster the same magic. Leonardo was appointed after the needed sacking of Rafael Benitez amidst much anger among AC Milan fans. However after some fine performances, their season seemed to fall apart with their Champions League humiliation and some poor performances in Serie A. But they have bounced back and winning atleast a trophy has salvaged some pride.
Inter Milan started brightly when Samuel Eto’o pounced upon a pass from Wesley Sjneider to slot the ball past the Palermo custodian. Wesley has time in and again showed how valuable he is to the team and his transfer out of the team, if it happens would cast a gloom over Inter’s capabilities to snatch the Scudetto back from their city rivals. However it was not all Inter as Palermo had some decent chances but failed to capitalise on them.
However Palermo were crestfallen when Samuel Eto’o again lunged onto a Sneijder pass to strike the bass in the far post which doubled the lead. Palermo gave them a brief scare when Miccoli’s corner kick beat Julio Ceasar to reduce the margin. However, last season’s hero, Diego Milito ensured that Palermo returned empty handed as he struck in stoppage time to hand Inter their first trophy of the season.
The win ensures that next season’s curtain raiser would be a mouth watering clash between AC Milan and Internazionale. Leonardo was visibly ecstatic after the match after his delight to hand a trophy to the Inter faithful. “It was an exciting win, a perfect close to a season of continuity,” the Brazilian told reporters after the game.
Interestingly, although some might suggest that Inter have been poor which they indeed have been, yet they have managed to land in a treble of different sorts, namely: he Coppa Italia, the Supercoppa and the Club World Cup. The last two were however won by Benitez.
Tags: Coppa Italia, Football, Inter Milan, Italy, Palermo
