Roma have netted their first Coppa Italia since 1991 despite a 2-1 loss against a brave Inter at the San Siro. The Giallorossi picked up their eighth Italian Cup at the end of a scintillating game where the Nerazzurri seemed unfazed by their crushing 6-2 first leg loss.

Despite the mountain that Inter clearly had to climb, boss Roberto Mancini somewhat strangely opted for just one recognised striker in his starting XI. Hernan Crespo, six goals in his last three games, was that man and he was to be aided by wingers Luis Figo and Mariano Gonzalez.

Luciano Spalletti responded with the strongest side he had at his disposal. Cristian Chivu was fielded at left-back, while Alberto Aquilani started instead of David Pizarro in midfield. The latter, co-owned by the finalists, was benched given that he was not 100 per cent fit.

Some were expecting the game to offer little, but Ivan Cordoba’s yellow card after just 75 seconds for a foul on Francesco Totti illustrated that the Nerazzurri were up for the challenge. Statisticians were also keen to point out that 20 goals had been scored in the four previous games between the two sides this term. Then of course, Roma did lose 7-1 at Manchester United…

Dejan Stankovic, in particular, looked lively for the home boys. The midfielder struck the bar on four minutes with a genius chip and then saw his outrageous volley three minutes later just curl wide. He then had a penalty appeal waved away soon after.

Roma’s only real effort of the first 30 minutes fell to Amantino Mancini, but his weak shot was easily dealt with by Francesco Toldo. The real action was occurring at the other end as Inter went close to taking the lead.

Gonzalez had a dangerous effort blocked by Philippe Mexes, while a Crespo header from a corner went straight across the face of the goal as Cordoba, Douglas Maicon and Esteban Cambiasso all failed to get a touch which would have signalled a goal.

Mancini was forced into a tactical change in the 26th minute when Patrick Vieira limped off with a knee problem. Striker Julio Cruz came on and little changed in the direction of play as the champions pushed forward against a side who were struggling to keep possession.

Crespo was underlining why the club want him to remain next term as he stung the palms of Doni. Despite clearing pushing Matteo Ferrari in the build up, Crespo’s thunderous header was about to set up home in the back of the net had it not been for the Brazilian.

One fine save was soon followed by another, this time from Toldo. The veteran dived to his left to superbly keep out a Totti free-kick which was heading for the top corner. It was an awesome stop for an awesome shot.

The 30,000 crowd were offered another treat just before the break through Crespo. The Argentine somehow produced a back-heel volley which beat Doni, but finished just above the bar. It would have been a late contender for goal of the season.

The half ended with a touch of controversy as Maicon fell in the box under a challenge from Aquilani. The referee waved play on when pointing to the spot may have been more appropriate. Inter were then furious that a Cruz goal was disallowed – rightly – for offside.

Inter’s opening period performance deserved a goal and that arrived soon after the half-time oranges. A perfect Maicon cross from the right allowed Crespo to show his deadly heading skills. The ball fizzed off his headband and past Doni into the bottom corner as the former Milan man celebrated his 20th goal of the campaign.

That strike had some dreaming of a sensational fight-back and a few more shared that view five minutes later when the San Siro outfit made it 2-0. Figo played in Cruz and, with just Doni to beat, he slid it through the ‘keeper’s legs.

Things were getting tense on and off the pitch. Tackles were flying in from all angles and another questionable refereeing decision infuriated boss Mancini whose outburst saw him sent away from the touchline on the hour mark.

Roma were struggling to create any dangerous opportunities from open play, but they were a constant threat from dead-ball situations. And Chivu went close to calming Giallorossi nerves with a free-kick that went within centimetres of the post with Toldo beaten.

With time running out, Inter were also handicapped by the dismissal of Cordoba. His intentional handball with Mancini converging on goal was only going to end with a second booking.

Roma, who tested Toldo with Pizarro and Taddei, almost self destructed in minute 78. Goalkeeper Doni decided to try and dribble the ball around Recoba only to be dispossessed, but the Uruguayan couldn’t keep the ball in play with the goal wide open.

Inter had certainly put up some fight but they knew the game was up in the 83rd minute. A Totti shot was going well wide before the on-rushing Simone Perrotta diverted it past Toldo which sparked scenes of wild celebrations.

Roma almost ended it in style by making it 2-2, but Totti’s super drive from distance was tipped on to the crossbar by Toldo’s fingertips. They were then reduced to 10-men for a last man foul by Christian Panucci on Recoba.

It ended 2-1 on the night, 7-4 on aggregate as Roma were crowned winners of the 59th edition of the Coppa Italia.

Inter: Toldo; Maicon, Cordoba, Burdisso, Zanetti; Vieira (Cruz 26), Cambiasso, Stankovic; Figo (Maxwell 82); Gonzalez (Recoba 54), Crespo

Roma: Doni; Panucci, Ferrari, Mexes, Chivu; De Rossi, Aquilani (Pizarro 57); Taddei, Perrotta, Mancini (Tonetto 79); Totti

Ref: Morganti

Sent-off: Cordoba 70 (I), Panucci 92 (R)