Inter target cup to break 16-year duck

Inter can move a step closer to claiming their first piece of domestic silverware in 16 years if they beat Cagliari in the second leg of their Italian Cup semi-final today (live on RaiDue at 5.30 p.m.).

The Italian giants' last triumph on home soil dates back to 1989, when they won the Serie A title.

Bolstered by Obafemi Martins's away goal in the 1-1 first-leg draw, Inter's players should feel confident of progressing to the final, especially since they beat Cagliari 2-0 when they visited the San Siro little more than a month ago.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini is once again expected to field an attack partnership of Adriano and Martins.

Cagliari, meanwhile, are targeting their first Italian Cup to crown their return to Serie A this season.

Italy internationals Mauro Esposito and Antonio Langella, and Gianfranco Zola, who struck the opening goal in the first leg, are expected to start up front for the visitors.

In the second semi-final tomorrow, Roma travel north to take on Udinese with their tie also balanced at 1-1, though both sides could be forgiven for having Serie A on their minds.

While Roma's recent dreadful run of results has dropped them close to the relegation zone, Udinese are fighting with Sampdoria over Italy's fourth Champions League berth.

Roma's players were booed off the pitch after a drab 0-0 draw in the city derby against Lazio at the weekend.

Judging by the hostility of their fans - some of whom have claimed the game was a fix and have demanded their money back - Roma might even be glad to be playing away from home.

A match in Udine is rarely an enticing prospect, but Roma's 3-3 Serie A draw in April ranks as one of their more lively recent performances. They might also feel they have a score to settle from the first leg of their Cup semi-final.

Roma had the better possession, but Udinese defender Valerio Bertotto's late goal cancelled out Philippe Mexes's early strike.

Roma captain Francesco Totti, who is serving a five-match Serie A ban, is expected to step back into the team, though injuries to Traianos Dellas and Cristian Chivu means coach Bruno Conti must cobble together a back four.

Udinese's first choice keeper Morgan De Sanctis has a knee injury and should be replaced by Samir Handanovic.