Coppa Italia 2013: Roma, Lazio have the advantage after opening legs

But it wasn’t easy for the Slovenian in the 13th minute. Piris provided another magnificent cross, and it was Alessandro Florenzi that got on the end of it this time. Handanovic was rooted in place as the header flew past, and Roma had their first goal.

In the 27th minute, Roma were again fortunate to avoid an equalizer, as the excellent Marquinhos slid in to stop the nerazzurri attack. Roma immediately raced down to the other end, but Lamela sent his shot over the crossbar. The pressure on the home side was relieved in the 34th minute, however, when another header flew past Handanovic. This time it was from Destro, getting his head on the end of another brilliant cross from Piris.

Perhaps surprisingly, those were the only goals in Sunday’s match. Many were expecting a goal-fest -- but they really didn’t take into account the fact that Inter’s weakened attack couldn’t threaten Roma’s easily startled defense as easily as some other sides. Conversely, Roma’s helter-skelter attack are often able to sink themselves, as evidenced by the nerazzurri defense needing to do little but watch the ball fly high or wide.

A lesson to take away from that match might be that it’s pointless to have expectations when it comes to calcio. But if you’re the type that requires a prediction, it’s likely fair to say that, if anyone will come out on top, the odds are on the visitors. By the end of the last match, Inter looked to have Roma figured out. They didn’t quite manage to unlock a goal, but they came close, and it would be surprising if they don’t manage to penetrate the leaky defense this time around. Marquinohos will almost certainly be just as excellent as he was on Sunday, but the absence of Daniele De Rossi, and possibly Federico Balzaretti, will only make it easier for Inter.

Bonucci pulled up with a hamstring injury right on half time and had to be substituted. In an odd moment, Hernanes and Marchisio opted to swap shirts during the break.

Pogba tried his luck from distance after the restart, while the Lazio defence repelled several dangerous balls from wide positions.

Both managers know that the game won’t be easy, nor will it necessarily be won or lost in Turin.

“They have excellent players, ones of class and experience. Lazio will be strong, compact and well-organised. They have consolidated the good foundations established by Edy Reja.”