Coppa Italia final: Inter Milan 3 Palermo 1

Samuel Eto’o struck twice as Inter Milan ended their season on a high with a 3-1 win over Palermo in Sunday’s Coppa Italia final.

Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder passed a late fitness test to play a key role at the Stadio Olimpico, setting up Cameroon striker Eto’o for Inter’s first in the 26th minute.

Federico Balzaretti and Abel Hernandez came close to equalising before the break for Palmero, while substitute Fabrizio Miccoli also threatened in the second half.

But it was Inter who would find the game’s second goal, with Eto’o again supplied by Sneijder to score from inside the area on 76 minutes.

Ezequiel Munoz struck for Palmero with two minutes remaining and to make for a nervous finish for Inter.

But Argentina forward Diego Milito, on as a substitute, netted a third in the 90th minute to guarantee victory for Inter.

The seventh Coppa Italia success in Inter’s history goes someway to making up for a disappointing season.

After winning the treble under Jose Mourinho last season, they missed out on the Serie A title for the first time since 2006 and surrendered the Champions League with a shock quarter-final exit against Schalke.

The cup success may also help the cause of Brazilian coach Leonardo, who replaced the sacked Rafael Benitez in December.

“It’s a huge satisfaction in an entertaining year, with many changes, for me and for Inter,” Leonardo said.

“Being able to finish the last game of the season with two trophies is fantastic,” he added, referring to the team’s victory in the Club World Cup.

The victory also means Inter will take on cross-city rivals and Scudetto winner AC Milan in the 2011-12 Supercoppa Italia.