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The Coppa Italia Final is here! Italy's top cup competition has reached its conclusion, and now it's time to see who can come out on top of the pile. Just as long as we don't have a repeat of the horrifying events of last year -- when fans of a team not involved in the final attacked fans trying to get to the stadium, hospitalizing several people, including one who eventually died of his wounds. We should have a wonderfully enjoyable spectacle to behold, as two of Serie A's best teams get set to face-off in Rome.
This year's final will be fought between Juventus and Lazio, pitting the Serie A title winners against one of this season's surprise teams in Serie A. Most people thought Lazio would be good this season, but few thought they would be anything like as good as they are, currently sitting in third place and headed for a Champions League qualifier as things stand.
Of course, Lazio have lost twice to Juventus this season, by a combined scoreline of 5-0. With so much more on the line today, though, perhaps Stefano Pioli and his players will reach down for what they need to finally overcome Italy's current titans, and win their seventh Coppa Italia in the process. Juve, for their part, want to add a 10th Coppa title to their honor roll, and their first since 1995. Lazio have won the competition five times since then, so the Old Lady likely feels that enough is enough, and that the Coppa belongs back in Turin.
Key player - Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
Vidal is hungry. He's already gotten a healthy helping of titles since joining Juventus, but he wants more. Especially with the Champions League Final looming, Vidal's going to be eager to whet his appetite, and the Coppa would be the perfect appetizer. The Chilean midfielder is going to be using his significant talents to move heaven and earth to make sure Juventus are the ones standing on the winner's podium at the end of the match. But even if they do, only three words will be coming out of his mouth: "Feed. Me. More."
Key Matchup - Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus) vs. Felipe Anderson (Lazio)
Felipe has emerged as the unquestioned star of Lazio's attack, adding so much quality and dynamism and style that the Aquile simply lacked before he broke out this season. His combination of pace, the ability to keep the ball stuck to his foot, and his eye for the tiniest cracks in a defense has allowed him to become a one-man wrecking crew at times this season. Of course, Juventus have a certain Swiss fullback on his side of the pitch, so they're feeling pretty good about things. After all, Lichtsteiner did a pretty good job against one Cristiano Ronaldo over two legs earlier this month. After that, what's one match against Felipe?
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Alvaro Morata (suspended), Claudio Marchisio (suspended), Martin Caceres (foot) In doubt: Kwadwo Asamoah (knee)
Lazio injuries and suspensions
Out: Lorik Cana (knee), Ederson (abductor) In doubt: Lucas Biglia (knee)
Both of these squads are very near to full strength, though the two players suspended for Juventus, Marchisio and Morata, will be missed. They have the depth to deal with missing the pair, but it would have given Max Allegri much more freedom with his lineup and substitutes to have both available.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. & Canada), RAI Uno (Italy), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. & Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)