Inter to face Napoli in Coppa Italia

After their 2-0 win over Sampdoria in the last 16 of Coppa Italia, Inter Milan will take on Napoli in the quarterfinal of the cup.

The team from Naples defeated Udinese in a dramatic manner, prevailing 5-4 in the penalty shootout, after both sides play out a 2-2 draw in 120 minutes.

Considering where they are in the league right now, this competition might be Inter's best chance of winning a silverware. La Beneamata is also in the knockout stage of Europa League, but they have to successfully navigate their way through eight games just to make the final, compared to three games in the domestic cup. As such, expect Roberto Mancini to field his strongest XI for this particular cup tie.

That being said, Napoli will be a formidable opponent as they are the defending champion of the competition, having beaten Fiorentina 3-1 in last year's tournament. They will be eager to hold on to the cup, a trophy which they realistically have the best chance of winning this season (they are also in the knockout stage of Europa League).

Both teams already met once this season in the league and shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. There is also some history between the two sides. Napoli's current manager, Rafael Benitez succeeded Jose Mourinho as Inter manager, after the treble-winning season of 2009/10. Despite winning two trophies, Benitez was sacked after just half a season. While current Inter defender, Hugo Campagnaro spent five seasons at San Paolo under the tutelage of Walter Mazzarri, who until November of last year, was in charge of Inter.

These two sides are among the most successful team in the history of the competition, Inter has won it seven times while Napoli has won it five times. In the past five editions of the Coppa, these two has each won it twice (Inter in 2010 and 2011, Napoli in 2012 and 2014).

The tie will be played on February 4, with Napoli as the host. If Inter won this game, they will face either crosstown rival AC Milan or Lazio in the semifinal.