Yesterday (Wednesday) Italian side AS Roma defeated Inter 3-2 in the second leg of the semifinal match of this year’s edition of Coppa Italia (Italian Cup). After winning the first leg in Rome 2-1, Roma advanced to the final with aggregate score 5-3. This will be their 17th final appearance in franchise history.
Saving the season: Roma made a huge step toward qualifying for Europa League next season.
On May 26, when the decisive match will be played, Roma, a nine-time Coppa Italia winner (most in tournament history) will meet eternal rival S.S. Lazio, a five-time winner, which eliminated Juventus in the other semifinal. Despite winning 14 trophies altogether, the two rivals have NEVER before contested in a final. As if to make the match even more dramatic, the game will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the stadium which Roma and Lazio have both used as home ground since 1937.
Although Roma has more trophies than Lazio overall, such dominance cannot be detected in recent years, for the teams have triumphed twice each in the last ten tournament editions. In addition, Lazio has been clearly the more successful club in the past few years in terms of European tournament participation. To add turmoil to the final, the winner qualifies directly for next year’s Europa League competition. Winning Coppa Italia will give Roma the opportunity to return to the European stage after three-year absence.
However, statistics rarely play any effect on the outcome of any Rome Derby, let alone the final of the national cup.
One thing is for sure: Roma’s fans in the Curva Sud (South Curve) of Stadio Olimpico, and Lazio’s fans in the Curva Nord (North Curve) have long dreamed of such a match and will be more than ready come game time.
The Curva Nord before a game. Photo Courtesy: Sky Sports
Fans from the Curva Sud are making their voices heard. Photo Courtesy: Daily Mail
Are you ready?
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