Inter will play against Lazio with a second-string lineup, keeping their focus on the match against Napoli on Saturday. Biancocelesti will also field many reserves, thinking more about the upcoming clash with Milan on Sunday than the Nerazzurri.At this moment, the Coppa Italia is more of a hindrance and burden for Inter and Lazio than an opportunity to win a trophy and give meaning to their season. Inter’s priorities are the Serie A title and the Champions League, while Lazio’s focus is on securing fourth place, which guarantees Champions League and Europa League qualification.INTERISTI, UNITE 👊The Coppa Italia is back 🇮🇹⚽️Powered by Snaipay#ForzaInter #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa #InterLazio pic.twitter.com/DhRDBg62ea— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) February 25, 2025 In this context, advancing to the semifinals and facing Milan twice in April, with the national cup being their only chance to salvage the year, could be a major problem, especially for Inter. The reigning Italian champions have already played three times against their city rivals this season: they lost twice and managed to earn a draw in injury time in the third encounter. Cup derbies are a double-edged sword, and the price of defeat is usually much higher than the enjoyment of victory.Let’s remember that both Inter and Lazio had favorable draws in the Champions League and Europa League, as they avoided the toughest opponents in their paths to the semifinals, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they both make it to the final stages of European competitions.Argentine madness at the Giuseppe Meazza!At the same time, Inter has a one-point lead over Napoli and a three-point advantage over Atalanta in the race for the Scudetto, while Lazio is two steps behind Juventus in the fight for the final Champions League spot for next season.This season, Antonio Conte’s Napoli “deliberately” exited the Coppa Italia as they wanted to focus on the league and the Scudetto. In hindsight, they were likely right, as they would be playing against Inter tonight instead of Lazio, just four days before their title clash at the Maradona.The match in the league, when Inter demolished Lazio 6-0 at the Olimpico, carries certain weight. Looking at Lazio’s results after that match, a clear decline in form is noticeable. Before the defeat to Inter, Lazio averaged just over two points per match, but that dropped to 1.4 points per match after the humiliation.Inter beat Lazio 𝟔-𝟎 at the Stadio Olimpico 😳 pic.twitter.com/OQ2bmjbQX5— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 16, 2024 Meanwhile, February has been a rough month for Inter. In five matches, they suffered two defeats, recorded one draw, and their only two victories were hard-fought ones against Fiorentina and Genoa at San Siro.Inter will not have several players available tonight due to injuries. Carlos Augusto, Nicola Zalevski, Yann Sommer and Marcus Thuram will be out. The good news for Inter is that French player will be ready for the Napoli match on Saturday evening. Six youth team players will be on Inter’s bench. Lazio traveled without Valentin Castellanos, Dele Bashiru, Elseid Hysaj, Toma Basic, and Patrick. A positive for Lazio’s coach Marco Baroni is the return of Matias Vecino to the squad. The experienced Uruguayan can’t yet play 90 minutes, but he can be useful in the second half.COPPA ITALIA – QUARTER-FINALSTuesday23.00: (1.85) Inter (3.80) Lazio (4.55)Wednesday 23.00: (1.28) Juventus (5.40) Empoli (12.0)***odds are subject to change***
