UPDATE 2-Soccer-Roma beat Inter to retain Italian Cup

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By Paul Virgo

ROME, May 24 (Reuters) - Goals by Philippe Mexes and Simone Perrotta gave AS Roma a 2-1 win over Serie A champions Inter Milan in the Italian Cup final on Saturday.

Roma retained the trophy and gained some revenge for missing out on the league title after French defender Mexes glided unmarked into the area to smack a David Pizarro corner into the net in the 35th minute.

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

Inter's Portuguese midfielder Pele, on as a substitute, pulled a goal back just before the hour with a remarkable shot from 25 metres.

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

"We shared this festival with our wonderful fans," Roma coach Luciano Spalletti told a news conference.

"We didn't need this victory to show that we are not much inferior to Inter. I told the lads before the game that they had done a great championship and they had the chance to make it really great."