Inter, Juve fight for unloved Italian prize

The much-maligned Coppa Italia has suddenly become important for Inter and Juventus, who will be pulling out all the stops to reverse deficits in this week's semi-final second legs.

Inter, almost certain to secure their fourth straight league title, were less sure back in March and also had the Champions League on their minds when they lost 3-0 at Sampdoria in the first leg.

Juventus were also still in Europe and the title race when beaten 2-1 in their first leg at Lazio.

Now, after Manchester United and Chelsea dented their Champions League ambitions, the chance of a double for Inter and Juve's last hopes of a trophy this season make the unloved Italian Cup a prize worth fighting for.

"There was a time when teams tried to avoid playing in this competition at all costs but now more attention is being given to winning it," Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon told reporters ahead of Lazio's visit to Turin today.

"We want to win it because we do not want to ruin months of work in 20-odd days."

Juve drew 1-1 at home with Inter in Serie A on Saturday, meaning the champions kept their 10-point lead with just six games left this term.

Inter's Mario Balotelli may be rested for tomorrow's home leg with Sampdoria.

The final will be played in Rome on May 13.