For three of the four clubs left in Italy's cup competition, winning the Coppa Italia will be their only chance at silverware this season. For Palermo, who currently sit eighth in Serie A, it's a chance to save a season that's been in freefall since the beginning of 2011 -- and really their only chance at a European position. AS Roma isn't much better off, a full seven points out of the final Champions League spot, which is currently occupied by rivals Lazio. Inter Milan are out of the Champions League and out of the title race. AC Milan are the presumed champions of the league and the team to beat -- but can anyone put them out of the Coppa?
On Wednesday, Milan host Palermo, who just might be getting back to winning ways after a come from behind victory at Roma last week. Of course, that's what many thought after the rosanero beat Milan a few weeks back, but Palermo went on to lose 4-0 to Catania before letting Cesena come back with two goals in injury time to secure a draw. But at least Palermo proved that Milan can be beaten, so there's that.
But first it's Inter and Roma on Tuesday, both teams looking for revenge after the weekend's results. Roma's 3-2 loss to Palermo is at least respectable, but Inter's 2-0 loss to Parma was downright, well, embarrassing. Parma are fighting relegation and, until that win, had won just once in twelve matches. Inter attempted to bolster their attack after going down 1-0 at the break, but as seen in the Champions League semi-finals, even throwing every attacking player on the pitch isn't working for the nerazzurri. If Leonardo's sole tactic no longer works, can Inter even hope for this trophy?