ROME, May 12: Inter Milan retained the Italian Cup after beating Roma 3-1 on Thursday for a 4-2 aggregate victory in the two-legged final.

First-half goals from Esteban Cambiasso and Julio Cruz left Roma with an uphill battle in a repeat of last season's final, before Nigerian Obafemi Martins grabbed a third for Inter in the 76th minute.

Shabani Nonda pulled one back 10 minutes from time, but it was all to no avail as Inter lifted the trophy for a fifth time.

Roma, who could still sneak the fourth and final Champions League place on the final day of the Serie A season on Sunday, took some consolation from the return to action of Francesco Totti.

Totti came off the bench early in the second half for his first appearance since breaking a bone in his left leg on February 19. His return is good news for Italy coach Marcello Lippi with the World Cup less than a month away.

Inter Milan coach was delighted to win the Cup even though it wasn't top of their priority list at the start of the season.

Having scored a crucial away goal in Rome to gain the upper hand, Inter went for the jugular right from the start and they took the lead in the sixth minute.

Javier Zanetti ran down the right wing and crossed for Cambiasso whose thunderous left-foot volley flashed past Alexander Doni and into the top corner.

Cruz went close in the 41st minute when he stole in at the back post to reach Adriano's cross, but he dragged his shot wide with only Doni to beat.—AFP