Thanks to Philippe Mexes and Simone Perrotta, AS Roma retained the Italian Cup by beating Serie A champions Inter Milan 2-1 on Saturday.

French defender Mexes opened the score in the 35th minute when he glided unmarked into the area to smack a David Pizarro corner past the near post.

Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta doubled Roma's lead in the 53rd minute after a one-two with Montenegro forward Mirko Vucinic.

Inter's Portuguese midfielder Pele, on as a substitute, pulled a goal back later with a remarkable shot from 25 meters out from a corner clearance.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano handed the trophy to Roma captain Francesco Totti, who was unable to play because of injury.

Saturday's match was the fourth successive Cup final between the teams. Roma beat Inter 7-4 on aggregate last season, when it was contested over two legs, not in a single match, with Inter triumphing the previous two years.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2008)