Martinez leads Inter to Coppa Italia glory over Fiorentina
No player on the pitch had scored more than one Coppa Italia goal this season going into the match, but Nicolas Gonzalez changed that just three minutes in.
Fiorentina’s high press paid off to start a move that culminated in the Argentine latching onto Jonathan Ikone’s ball to the back post and squeezing his effort past Samir Handanovic.
Inter fell into La Viola’s trap once again when Denzel Dumfries sloppily conceded possession on the edge of his own box, although Alessandro Bastoni got across to deny González on that occasion.
The Nerazzurri carved out an opportunity of their own when Lautaro Martinez raced behind and set up Edin Dzeko, who sent his effort harmlessly over the crossbar.
Martínez was far more clinical when his own chance arose, capitalising on Nikola Milenkovic dropping deeper than the rest of his backline by drilling the ball across Pietro Terracciano to equalise with his 100th goal for Inter.
It took just eight minutes for the striker to find Milenkovic lacking again, latching onto Nicolò Barella’s cross ahead of the Serbian and providing a superb finish.
Fiorentina defiantly fought back after the break, but Gaetano Castrovilli’s shot was deflected wide by Federico Dimarco, then Arthur Cabral rose well before only conjuring a tame header that was comfortably dealt with by Handanovic.
Romelu Lukaku offered a reminder of Inter’s threat after being introduced from the bench, turning Lucas Martinez Quarta and smashing a strike that was well saved, although it was their defensive organisation that proved decisive.
Luka Jović was halted by Handanovic then headed wide when Fiorentina finally found space in the box, as Inter held on to add the Coppa Italia to the Supercoppa Italiana they won earlier this campaign, providing the perfect boost ahead of the Serie A run-in and UEFA Champions League final.
They also denied Fiorentina their first trophy since winning this competition in 2001, although La Viola will look to bounce back in the UEFA Europa Conference League final.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
