Coppa Italia: Storied Rivals Square Off in Rare Final Showdown

Juventus vs Inter Milan

Juventus and Inter Milan are two of the most successful clubs in Coppa Italia history, with 21 titles between them. But surprisingly, these two storied rivals are set to meet in the final of this competition for only the third time in history and the first time in 57 years.

Juve, who are the defending champions, are hoping to salvage another disappointing season by beating Inter for the third time in three final meetings.

But the Coppa Italia 2022 betting odds will be against them as they take on their old rivals, whom they have failed to defeat in their first three meetings this season.

Talking Points

Juventus have several question marks ahead of final

Juventus’ four-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to a surprising end as they went down 2-1 away to Genoa on the weekend.

Paulo Dybala had given the Bianconeri an early lead, but some lax defending late in the game allowed the home side to score two late goals, including the winning penalty in the 96th minute, and snatch the win.

The loss had little consequence to Juve, who have already clinched fourth place and a Champions League spot. But it was still quite a disappointing way to prepare for the cup final.

Dybala, who has been strongly linked with a move to Inter in the summer, will come into the final in fine form, with two goals in his last two starts.

However, big-money signing Dusan Vlahovic is still in the midst of a scoring drought, which is now up to four games. Vlahovic had a disappointing outing against Genoa; he had just one shot while Dybala and Moise Kean had 10 combined.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether manager Massimiliano Allegri will pick Kean or Alvaro Morata to start as the third forward. Kean had a lively game with six shots and an assist against Genoa, but he missed some good chances that would have put the game away. As for Morata, the Spanish striker has not scored for Juve since March.

Full-backs Juan Cuadrado and Mattia De Sciglio returned from injury against Genoa, while the latest Coppa Italia 2022 news suggests that Juventus could potentially get key midfielder Manuel Locatelli back for the final. The Italian international has been missing since the start of April due to a knee ligament injury. Defender Danilo could also be in contention to play despite dealing with a foot injury.

Inter close to full strength

Inter Milan kept alive their hopes of successfully defending their Serie A title with a 4-2 win over Empoli. The Nerazzurri were on the ropes early at home as Empoli took a 2-0 lead. But the champions staged a stirring comeback, led by a Lautaro Martinez brace, to win 4-2.

Lautaro has been in sizzling form of late with seven goals in his last six appearances. The 24-year-old has also had his share of Coppa Italia 2022 highlights as he scored a brace in their 3-0 semi-final second leg win against Milan.

Simone Inzaghi will have his full squad to choose from for the final, with the exception of centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, who has missed the last few games with a muscle injury. Federico Dimarco started against Empoli, but Danilo D’Ambrosio could come in against Juve if Bastoni is still not fit to play.

Inter’s strength in depth has served them well this season and could once again come into play in the final. Inzaghi will have the Chilean duo of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez, who combined to score their fourth goal against Empoli, as well as Robin Gosens and Edin Dzeko to call upon off the bench.

History

This will be just the third meeting between Juventus and Inter Milan in the final of the Coppa Italia. The first two came back in 1959 and 1965, with the Old Lady winning on both occasions.

The two sides have met eight times in the competition over the last 12 years. Inter have the edge with three wins to Juventus’ two. Although, Juve prevailed in their most recent meeting in last year’s semi-finals.

Meanwhile, the two rivals have already met three times this season. They drew 1-1 at the San Siro, then Inter won 1-0 at Juventus last month thanks to a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty. Inter also beat Juve in the Supercoppa 2-1, with Alexis Sanchez scoring in the final minute of extra-time.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Inter installed as slight 2.28 favourites to win the Coppa Italia within 90 minutes. Juventus are 3.10 to win, while a draw is at 3.15. Meanwhile, Inter are 1.69 to lift the trophy and Juve are 2.29.

Inter are clearly the better team this season, but as their three close matches this season have shown, Juventus are still capable of being competitive.

However, Inter have more match-winners in their squad, and those players should have enough to turn the final in the Nerazzurri’s favour.

 

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