Fourth-placed Lazio take on Inter Milan for Italy’s final Champions League spot…
It’s hard to believe that just eight years have passed since Jose Mourinho famously led Inter Milan to a historic treble. The Nerazzurri brushed all their opposition aside in the 2009-10 season and claimed the Serie A, Copa Italia and most importantly, their third Champions League title – a whopping 55 years after the last one. Since Mourinho left the club, there have been a string of unsuccessful managers failing to guide the team back to success. Almost a dozen new faces have occupied the dugout, but Inter Milan have still failed to qualify for Europe’s premier competition since 2010-11.
Top three spots decided
With Juventus sealing yet another Serie A title, and Napoli and Roma confirming their participation in next year’s Champions League, only one spot remains up for grabs.
Lazio and Inter Milan will be involved in a dramatic clash for the aforementioned prize when they face off on Sunday. It’s a winner-takes-all match at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, and the rewards extend beyond qualification. The victor will also get over €12 million from the distribution of television rights and marketing revenue in the group-stage of the Champions League.
Lazio’s failure to steal the spot
Lazio currently sit three points above Inter Milan in fourth place, and also lead Inter Milan on goal-difference by six. The Biancocelesti will be regretting not clinching their spot last week as they were held to a 2-2 against relegation-threatened Crotone. As midfielder Senad Lulic explained:
“It’s a big missed opportunity, We deserve the Champions League, it would be a shame to throw it all away now.”
Inter’s recent struggles
Inter led the Serie A table in December, but have been exasperatingly inconsistent since then. Luciano Spalletti has not had a great year as the Nerazzurri have won only 17 games in the League. A shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Sassuolo last week left the Inter players distraught and seemingly ended their chances, only to be let off the hook by Lazio’s result the following day.
Players to watch:
Lazio have been led by Serie A’s top scorer this season, Ciro Immobile, who has notched a staggering 29 goals in the league. Mauro Icardi, who has been Inter’s most prolific forward, sits just one behind Immobile on 28 goals. This match could well define who finishes as top scorer in Serie A this season as well.
Mauro Icardi has scored 28 goals in Serie A this season; the most by an Inter Milan player in a single campaign since Antonio Angelillo (33) in 1958/59.
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— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 6, 2018
Tension between the two sides
The last match between the two sides ended goalless at the San Siro. Inter Milan need a win at all costs to sneak above Lazio on the head-to-head record. The atmosphere has been heating up between the two clubs following reports that Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij will join Inter on a free transfer at the end of season.
Both teams would like to get the wind in their sails, as Champions League qualification would prove vital for keeping their star players. Icardi may only sign a new contract if Inter are among Europe’s elite next season, and Lazio’s midfield sensation Sergej Savic will also decide his future after this clash. This is sure to be a fantastic, and possibly heartbreaking, end to the season for both sets of fans.