Lazio Left to Rue Coppa Italia Heartbreak as European Drought Hits 34 Year Low

The powers that be at the Stadio Olimpico must be feeling the heat after Lazio. �s Coppa Italia final defeat to Inter Milan condemned the Biancocelesti to a second consecutive season outside European competition for the first time in 34 years. For a club of Lazio. �s standing, a club that has regularly dined at Europe. �s top table, this is nothing short of a calamity. They gave a good account of themselves in the final, showing resilience and fight, but it was the clinical edge of Inter that proved decisive. At the end of the day, the lion. �s share of the blame must fall on inconsistency across the campaign; a string of disappointing results in Serie A ensured they never truly recovered from a mid season slump. In the scheme of things, the defeat in the final merely sealed what had been written in the league table for months. The financial hit is also severe; missing out on European television money and match day revenue could cost the club as much as. ��4.8 billion (. ��30 million) at current conversion rates. The Nigerian internationals who ply their trade in Italy will watch with interest as Lazio now face a painful rebuild. For the fans in Lagos and Abuja viewing centres, this is a story that stirs mixed emotions. Many will recall the days when Lazio boasted African stars like Obafemi Martins and Nwankwo Kanu and will feel a pang of sympathy for the club. �s current predicament. The atmosphere in a Surulere viewing centre would be one of hushed silence as the final whistle goes, punctuated by the clink of soft drinks and the muffled complaints of loyal supporters who had hoped for a different outcome. Some will shake their heads and mutter about how the club has fallen from grace, while others will simply turn their attention to the Super Eagles. � upcoming fixtures, knowing that European football. �s loss is Nigeria. �s gain when it comes to rested legs.