- by Debbie Smith, writing from Rome, Italy
The (in)famous Coppa Italia tournament, or Tim Cup as it is "officially" called over here, is comming to an end.
Inter made it's way to the final by beating Roma and then getting a draw. While Palermo managed to get to the Coppa final by drawing at the San Siro against the new Italian League Champion AC Milan and then winning their match in Sicily.
Coppa Italia is always seen as a consolation prize and it's not the first thing a "big club" would aim for, however with the issues Inter has had during the 2010/2011 campaign, this would make things less traumatizing to their fans, and owner Massimo Moratti, and it would take off some of the pressure from former rossoneri coach and player Leonardo. And would make things at the Italian Supercup extremely intense as there would be a chance to play a Derby della Madonnina, one that the inter coach has yet to win, as he has been unable as the coach of AC milan and Inter.
While Palermo, who finished 8th this season, has more to gain than the trophy, it could also mean a spot on the Europa League. With the coveted Pastore, they will be trying to get the silverware at the capital's stadium , The Stadio Olimpico. It would also give the team prestige as they have a chance to win this while beating both sides of Milano.
From a tactical point of view, it seems like it will be a beautiful match, with Samuel E'too and Javier Pastore battling to score, and while I believe one of Leonardo's flaws has always been the view he has on defending and playing his football "fantasia" I am positive we will see a closed match with everyone fighting to not give spaces to the marvelous attacking forces both sides have.
So, if you are still celebrating from the Champions League Final on Sunday, or just want to see a different style of football, i highly recommend you to watch the Coppa Italia final between Internazionale di Milano and US Palermo.
Any predictions?
