Since lifting the Super Cup in January, the dethroned Serie A champions Juventus defeated Atalanta 2-1 to lift the Italian Cup for the 14th time. It was the first trophy for coach Andrea Pirlo since his reign began this season.
1st-Half
Atalanta, looking to win their first Italian Cup since 1963, deservedly equalised four minutes before halftime by Ruslan Malinovskiy.
The game was played in front of supporters for the first time in over a year. Federico Chiesa scored the winner with a quarter of an hour to go. Dejan Kulusevski scored in the first-half in the 30th minute.
2nd-Half
After the break, Pirlo’s side improved, and Chiesa scored in the 73rd minute. It sparked jubilant scenes among the Juve players and personnel.
Duvan Zapata of Atalanta provided the first possible chance, barging past Matthijs de Ligt and squaring the ball for Jose Luis Palomino, but the defender was unable to convert the opportunity.
Atalanta’s pace fell after the break, and Juve had a great chance to take the lead, but Chiesa could only reach the post after latching on to a Ronaldo backheel.
Atalanta flung bodies forward, but they were unable to challenge veteran Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was playing in what may be his last game for the club, as Pirlo’s side cruised to their 14th Coppa Italia title – five more than any other player.
Pirlo turned 42 on Saturday
AFP quoted Pirlo saying, “It was a great match, between two beautiful teams who fought to the end, a final worthy of this name, also a big celebration for the public, with everything that has happened this season.”
“I would really like to sit on the Juventus bench again next year. I love this club.”
