Lazio 0-2 Inter Milan: Nerazzurri Take Commanding Lead in Coppa Italia Semi-Final

Inter Milan produced a professional away performance to defeat Lazio 2-0 in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final at the Stadio Olimpico on 14 May 2026. Goals in each half have given Simone Inzaghi’s side a healthy advantage ahead of the return leg at San Siro.

Match Overview

Inter controlled the tempo from the outset, with their midfield trio of Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nicolò Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan dominating possession. Lazio struggled to break through Inter’s disciplined defensive block. The opening goal came in the 27th minute when Lautaro Martínez side-footed home from a tight angle after a clever through ball from Çalhanoğlu. The second arrived early in the second half as Marcus Thuram capitalised on a defensive slip to slot past Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel.

Key Moments

• 27th minute: Martínez opened the scoring with a precise finish after a quick one-two with Barella.
• 52nd minute: Thuram intercepted a poor pass from Lazio’s Alessio Romagnoli and calmly scored.
• 65th minute: Lazio’s Mattia Zaccagni hit the post with a curling effort – their best chance of the match.

Tactical Story

Inter’s 3-5-2 system stifled Lazio’s usual width, with wing-backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco pushing high to neutralise the home side’s full-backs. Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri attempted to play through the middle, but Inter’s midfield pressing forced errors. Ciro Immobile was isolated up front and managed only one shot on target. Inter’s compact shape and quick transitions were the key tactical difference.

Standout Players

Hakan Çalhanoğlu pulled the strings in midfield, completing 89% of his passes and providing the assist for the first goal. Lautaro Martínez was a constant menace with his movement, while Francesco Acerbi marshalled the defence expertly against his former club.

Second Leg Outlook

Inter are firm favourites to advance to the final, but Lazio have the attacking quality to overturn the deficit if they can find an early goal at San Siro. The match on 21 May promises to be an intense contest.