Inter Milan beat Palermo 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico here on Sunday to lift the Italian Cup and rescue an otherwise disappointing season.
It was Inter’s fourth Cup success in the last seven years and Palermo’s third defeat in as many trips to the Cup final.
Samuel Eto’o was the hero for Inter, scoring a brace and taking his season’s tally for the club to 37 goals in all competitions, beating his previous best total at Barcelona by one goal.
“In football the important thing is to win and without the victory my record wouldn’t have been as sweet,” said the Cameroon captain.
For Inter boss Leonardo it was his first trophy as a coach.
“It’s a huge satisfaction in an entertaining year, with many changes, for me and for Inter,” said the Brazilian.
“Being able to finish the last game of the season with two trophies is fantastic,” he added referring to the Club World Cup, won in December under his predecessor Rafael Benitez.
Ezequiel Munoz briefly gave Palermo hope late on, although he was subsequently sent off, before Diego Milito sealed the victory in injury time.
“We had a go but it wasn’t enough, the more experienced side won,” said Palermo coach Delio Rossi, who was also dismissed in the finale for venting his fury.
Inter Milan took on Palermo in their 13th Coppa Italia final as Samuel Eto’o and co. were deployed in a 4-3-1-2 formation with the Cameroonian forward playing as Internazionale’s main striker along with Giampaolo Pazzini. Wesley Sneijder also started for the former Italian champions as Leonardo used him in his traditional role as a trequartista. In behind Sneijder; Dejan Stankovic, Thiago Motta and Javier Zanetti made up Inter’s midfield three. At the back, the Nerazzurri used Lucio and Ranocchia as their two centre backs. On the left side of defence, Christian Chivu took up his berth as the Milanese club’s left back whereas Nagatomo started on the right side of defence as Inter’s second full back. In between the goal sticks, Julio Cesar was given the nod by Leonardo as Inter’s first choice goalkeeper.
On the other hand, Palermo aimed at exploiting the lack of width in Inter’s 4-3-1-2 formation with a 4-2-3-1 setup which had Javier Pastore as their main offensive midfielder. Up front, Mathías Hernández started as the underdogs’ main striker as he was supplied from the wings by the likes of Ilicic and Nocerino. Migliaccio and Acquah started the match as Palermo’s two defensive enforcers. In defence Cassani, Munoz, Goian, Balzaretti formed a formidable partnership whilst Sirigu took up his place as Palermo’s shot stopper.
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