Lukaku double sends Inter into quarters; Lazio, Napoli cruise
Milan, Italy - Romelu Lukaku scored after just 21 seconds as he bagged a brace in a 4-1 thumping of Cagliari that fired Inter Milan into the last-eight of the Italian Cup, while Lazio and Napoli are set for a quarterfinal clash after easing past second-tier opposition.
Belgian Lukaku has looked a player reborn since moving to Italy and his double took his hot streak to six goals in his last four appearances in all competitions, with his Italian League tally standing at 14 in 19 games.
The 26 year old lashed home his opener with the match barely underway and then, after Borja Valero had made it 2-0 in the 22 minute, headed home his side's third from Nicolo Barella's corner just three minutes after the break as Antonio Conte's side ran riot at the San Siro.
Their were nerves among the home fans when Christian Oliva pulled one back for the Sardinians in the 73rd minute with a fierce drive, but Andrea Ranocchia headed in Cristiano Biraghi's corner to seal the win.
The victory helped Inter bounce back after letting Juventus take top spot in league with a 1-1 home draw with Atalanta at the weekend, and the return of Alexis Sanchez after an injury lay-off will also boost coach Conte.
In-form Lazio stroll
They will be joined in the quarters by Lazio and Napoli, who both cruised through with comfortable wins over second-tier sides Cremonese and Perugia to set up a mouth-watering last eight tie with each other.
Holders Lazio, who are on a club-record run of ten straight wins in league and well in the title discussion, made short work of Cremonese in their easy 4-0 victory in Rome.
Troubled Napoli meanwhile are languishing in 11th in league after winning just one league game since mid-October but eased into the quarters with a 2-0 win over Perugia thanks to two Lorenzo Insigne penalties.