After a 2-1 win over Atalanta, Juventus win their second trophy with Pirlo! This is Juve’s 14th Coppa Italia title. #ITAL14NCUP

STARTING XI

4-4-2 

#77- Buffon 

#16- Cuadrado 

#4- De Ligt  

#3- Chiellini 

#13- Danilo  

#14- McKennie

#30- Bentancur 

#25- Rabiot

#22- Chies

#44- Kulusevski

#7- Ronaldo 

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Though Atalanta had the better chances in the first half, Juve were first to take the lead. In the 31st minute, Cuadrado makes a strong tackle which launches the ball into a counterattack. Kulusevski then dribbles the ball upfield and passes to Ronaldo who is swarmed by the opposing defenders and is brought down. But McKennie comes just in time to poke it to Kulusevski, who curls it in with a classic left-foot shot into the far right end of the goal!

However, Atalanta respond within the first half with a goal 10 minutes later. 45 minutes left in the fight for a trophy, 1-1.

The second half was another match, with Juve playing with more attacking conviction. Both sides had a couple of good chances, with Chiesa coming extremely close to scoring a beauty but it hits the post. His goal comes later though in the 73rd minute- a beautiful shot made by himself. McKennie switches the play from the right through a cross to Chiesa, who could not find any opportunity to cut in so dribbles around the box instead. He makes a pass to Kulusevski who is at the edge of the box, cuts inside, receives the 1-2 pass, and finishes in close distance to the goalie! A brilliant goal, Juve retake the lead!

Right after his goal, Chiesa is subbed off for Dybala. With ten minutes left on the clock, Pirlo also makes a defensive sub to put on Bonucci for Kulusevski, and Juve hold out until the final blow of the whistle! The entire team celebrates and Juve have their second trophy of the season!

AFTER-MATCH THOUGHTS

PIRLO: 

“It was a wonderful match between two great teams who fought until the final minute. We wanted to win and to bring home this trophy. We didn't have a positive season, but we came together and got it into our heads that we wanted this cup… The beauty of football is that you get can these satisfactions that gratify you. Now we head into Sunday, when our future will be decided, even if it's not all in our hands.” 

BUFFON: 

“Today was a great emotion. To finish like this makes me proud and I was delighted to share with my teammates many adventures up to this final. The fans today were the icing on the cake. They, the Juventus people, the managers, the President and my teammates will always be a part of my life. I think I have given so much love, professionalism, pride and courage every time I took to the field with this shirt and I am proud of this.”

JUVENTINA'S THOUGHTS

A good morale booster for an otherwise disappointing season, Pirlo was still able to win two trophies during his first season with Juve. This Sunday marks the end of this season and will determine whether Juve will play in the Champions League or Europa League next year. There is also a lot of unknown in terms of personnel changes in the players and management, so there is quite a bit to look out for. In terms of this match, the team did well. Though Juve were at a disadvantage in the first half, we held out and responded well in the second half. Forza Juve!!