Squads to meet Mattarella ahead of Rome clash.
Rome will host the much anticipated Coppa Italia final between Serie A teams Inter Milan and SS Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday 13 May, with kick-off at 21.00.
Ahead of the clash, both teams will be received by Italy’s president Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Tuesday afternoon, in a customary institutional ceremony that reflects the prestige of the occasion.
Inter arrive at the final in commanding form. On Saturday, Inter celebrated the Serie A title by defeating Lazio 3-0 at the Olimpico, with goals from Lautaro Martínez, Petar Sučić and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, in a result that doubled as a rehearsal for Wednesday’s cup final.
Saturday’s league match was played out in a peculiar atmosphere, with the majority of Lazio supporters continuing a months-long boycott of home matches in protest at owner Claudio Lotito’s stewardship of the club.
Coppa Italia final
The final, however, promises a very different spectacle. The match carries extra significance for Inter, who could complete a league and cup double having already secured the Serie A title.
Lazio’s organised supporter groups have agreed to suspend their boycott for the occasion, with the Curva Nord set to return to full voice. Inter’s fans will occupy the Curva Sud, a stand traditionally associated with Roma supporters but allocated to the Nerazzurri for the final.
The Lega Serie A is targeting a sell-out of around 67,000 spectators, with ticket prices ranging from €40 up to €220.
Inter reached the final by eliminating Como, while Lazio progressed by defeating Atalanta on penalties in the semi-finals. Inter currently stand 15 points clear of second-placed Napoli in Serie A, with three matches of the league season remaining.
Juventus is the most successful club since the Coppa Italia was founded in 1922, with 15 wins, followed by Roma and Inter Milan with nine wins each, and Lazio with seven.
Road to Zero
Rome has unveiled a public transport plan with a focus on sustainable mobility ahead of the Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico.
The ‘Road to Zero’ transport plan includes a series of initiatives aimed at encouraging the use of public transport on the day of the clash.
Rome’s public transport network will be free all day for fans in possession of a ticket for the Coppa Italia final and the city’s three subway lines will run until 01.30.
All public transport lines serving the area around the Olympic Stadium will be boosted on Wednesday, with shuttle buses available for people with disabilities.
In addition there will be parking bans on the roads around the stadium from 17.00. For full transport details see the city website.
Photo credit: Stefano Tammaro / Shutterstock.com
