AS Roma won the Italian Cup for the 8th time of their history and their first since 1991 despite losing from Inter Milan 2-1 at San Siro on Thursday. Argentinean striker Hernan Crespo, 50, and compatriot Julio Cruz added the second 6 minutes later while Simone Perrotta scored the Romans consolation goal in the 82nd minute of the game. This little victory wasn't enough to overcome the extraordinary Roma display 6-2 produced last week in the capital. The referee had to show the red card three times for Inter coach Roberto Mancini and his defender Ivan Cordoba plus one for Roma defender Christian Panucci.
Cruz scored the second for Inter The match started with a huge pressing from the Nerazzuri who knew they had a lot of work to do. They had a few good occasions to open the score from Dejan Stankovic, whose shot was blocked by the post, and a couple of headers by Crespo who were denied by Doni. Roma's tactics was mainly based on long shots that came quit close specially Francesco Totti screamer that were denied by the finger tips of keeper Francesco Toldo. The home side had a very exciting return after the break as they scored two goals in just six minutes thanks to a header from Crespo and a well placed shot between the legs of Doni by Cruz After Mancini and Cordoba were sent off, the match was killed by Perrotta's goal who connected with Totti's low cross.
