Inter and Lazio will face off in a highly anticipated Coppa Italia quarter-final at San Siro on Tuesday night. Both teams approach this fixture with high stakes, as a place in the semi-finals against AC Milan awaits the winner.
Inter come into the match in strong form, having secured their position at the top of the Serie A table following Napoli’s defeat against Como. Simone Inzaghi’s side now turns its focus to the domestic cup, where a rotated squad is expected in anticipation of the crucial league match against Napoli at the weekend. Lazio, on the other hand, will be looking to regain momentum after a challenging period in the league, with coach Marco Baroni determined to see his team advance.
Inter are set to field a heavily rotated lineup to keep key players fresh for upcoming fixtures. Goalkeeper Josef Martinez, who impressed in the match against Genoa, is expected to retain his place in goal. In defence, Stefan de Vrij will return to the starting lineup, replacing Francesco Acerbi, who has been in top form following his return from injury. Benjamin Pavard and Yann Bisseck are likely to join de Vrij in defence, while Federico Dimarco and Matteo Darmian will occupy the wing-back positions.
In midfield, Piotr Zielinski is expected to feature in place of Nicolo Barella, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Kristjan Asllani will complete the trio. Davide Frattesi, who is still not at full fitness, is expected to start from the bench.
Up front, Inter faces an injury crisis. Marcus Thuram is still recovering from an ankle issue and trained only partially with the group. He is targeting a return for the upcoming match against Napoli. Joaquin Correa has a minor knee issue but has not suffered any structural damage. With Lautaro Martinez likely to be rested, the attacking duo of Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic is set to lead the line.
Meanwhile, Lazio coach Marco Baroni is approaching the game with a determined mindset, emphasizing his team’s need to remain true to their identity. Despite recent struggles in Serie A, Lazio are prepared to fight for their place in the semi-finals. The team will be without midfielder Dele-Bashiru, which could impact Baroni’s tactical setup. With the possibility of a three-man midfield being considered, Lazio will aim to strike a balance between stability and offensive threat.
Injury Woes for Both Sides
Inter have been dealing with injuries, particularly in attack, with Thuram’s fitness still uncertain whilst Nicola Zalewski has also been ruled out with a calf issue following medical tests at the Istituto Humanitas in Rozzano. His condition will be assessed further in the coming days. Additionally, Lazio striker Castellanos is sidelined for a month, placing added pressure on the remaining attacking options.
Both teams understand the significance of this match, with Lazio seeking redemption after their 6-0 defeat to Inter in Serie A earlier this season. Baroni stressed that his side would approach the game with humility but without fear, emphasizing rhythm and courage in their performance. The match could see Lazio employ a more conservative approach, while Inter will aim to control possession and dictate the tempo.
A win for either side would provide momentum heading into the latter stages of the season. While Inter are prioritizing the league, they remain serious contenders for the Coppa Italia, a competition in which Inzaghi has a strong track record. Lazio, meanwhile, view this as an opportunity to prove their resilience and challenge for silverware.
With both teams facing injury concerns, tactical changes, and crucial upcoming fixtures, this Coppa Italia quarter-final is set to be a thrilling encounter at San Siro.
