Inter and Lazio will clash heads at San Siro in the most anticipated showdown of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals

Inter recorded two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five games, thereby having a mixed run. Indicating some inconsistency, they have lost to Juventus (0-1) and Fiorentina (0-3) but won against Genoa (1-0) and Fiorentina (2-1). Still, their home performances have been strong—most famously a 3-0 triumph over AS Monaco in the Champions League—which inspires confidence going into this game.

Lazio arrives at this game with rather better form, though. Having two victories and two draws, they are perfect in their previous four league games. Their attacking potency was on evidence in their recent 5-1 destruction of Monza. But a 0-1 loss to Braga in the Europa League points to their difficulty in more demanding away games.

Looking at head-to–head meetings, Inter has dominated Lazio in recent times. In the Italian Supercup, they routed Lazio 3-0; in their last league game in December 2024, they embarrassed them 6-0. Lazio has not defeated Inter in their past six encounters, so providing a clear psychological advantage for the home team.

Dependant on their strong midfield and capacity to generate early goal-scoring opportunities, Inter is likely to retain possession and play an offensive game. At home, their defense has been strong; yet, recent performance in away games points to some weakness.

Lazio will probably concentrate on counterattacks and aim to take advantage of any weaknesses in Inter’s defense system. Their most recent five-goal performance against Monza demonstrates that, given space, they can be devastating; yet, they must provide defensive consistency if they are to have a chance against Inter’s attacking force.

Simone Inzaghi might have the best-equipped squad in the country, but the piling number of injuries is beginning to take its toll on the team. The Nerazzurri will be without Carlos Augusto, Davide Frattesi, Yann Sommer and Nicola Zalewski, while Marcus Thuram, Joaquin Correa and Carlos Augsto remain doubtful.

Josep Martinez will start in goal, while the backline should consist of Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij and Yann Bisseck. Matteo Darmian and Federico Dimarco will occupy the wingback slots, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Kristjan Asllani and Piotr Zielinski in the middle of the park.

Lautaro Martinez is expected to be rested, making way for the experienced attacking duo of Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic.

Inter (3-5-2): Martinez; Pavard, De Vrij, Bisseck; Darmian, Mkhitaryan, Asllani, Zielinski, Dimarco; Taremi, Arnautovic.