Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Buffon, Matri, Barzagli miss Milan

Mar 19, 2012

Juventus Coach Antonio Conte has named a 22-man squad to face Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, with a couple of notable absentees.

Conte, who has confirmed that Alessandro Del Piero will start the second leg clash with the Rossoneri on Tuesday, has not selected Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Matri or the injured Andrea Barzagli for the knockout encounter.

The Bianconeri welcome Max Allegri’s team to the Juventus Stadium leading 2-1 on aggregate from the first leg.

Juventus squad to face Milan: 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Vidal, 23 Borriello, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Krasic, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 31 Branescu, 34 Marrone.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus to face AC Milan without Buffon, Barzagli & Matri

The experienced goalkeeper is being rested for Tuesday's encounter,

while the defender and attacker are unavailable due to injury.

Mar 20, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte will have to make do without injured duo Andrea Barzagli and Alessandro Matri in Tuesday's Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg encounter at home against AC Milan.

In addition, Juve confirmed on their official website that Conte has made the decision to leave Italy international Gianluigi Buffon out of the squad for the match at Juventus Stadium in order to give the goalkeeper a rest.

The 30-year-old Barzagli picked up a calf injury in the 1-1 Serie A draw at home against Chievo on March 3, and is still working on his recovery.

Matri, 27, has been ruled out of the match versus the Rossoneri as he is being plagued by a minor bruise to his right knee.

Juventus defend a 2-1 lead from the first leg at San Siro in Tuesday's return. The match kicks off at 20.45CET.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Ibra too ill for Juventus-Milan?

Mar 20, 2012

There are conflicting reports on whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be able to play in Juventus-Milan tonight, as he is suffering from flu.

The Swede already missed the recent 1-1 Serie A encounter due to a ban and was expected to take a key role in tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final.

However, Ibra has been struck down with flu symptoms over the past couple of days and is reported to be running a temperature.

Some media sources suggest he will be in the starting XI anyway, whereas others claim he is not fit enough to feature at all.

Juventus won the first leg 2-1 at San Siro and kick off tonight at 19.45 UK time.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

AC Milan to rest Thiago Silva versus Juventus

The highly-rated defender will not feature against the Bianconeri, while Ibrahimovic

is also unlikely to play in the game as the Swede has been suffering with a cold.

Mar 20, 2012

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has made the decision to rest defender Thiago Silva in the second leg of the Rossoneri's Coppa Italia semi-final away against Juventus on Tuesday evening, Tuttosport reports.

The Brazil international has been a key player for Milan in the 2011-12 campaign, but Allegri supposedly will opt to leave him out of the starting line-up as he feels the upcoming Champions League and Serie A games are of higher importance.

With Thiago Silva likely to start Tuesday's encounter from the bench, Allegri is expected to give veteran defender Mario Yepes the chance to prove his worth alongside Philippe Mexes.

Meanwhile, it is still not 100 per cent sure whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic will feature at Juventus Stadium.

The towering attacker complained about a cold on Monday, and will make a decision about his availability later on Tuesday.

Juventus defend a 2-1 lead from the first leg at San Siro with the second encounter set to kick-off at 20.45CET.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Preview - Coppa Italia final place the prize

as Conte's men lead from the first leg

The Turin side hold all the cards going into the return fixture set in Juventus Stadium

after a 2-1 first leg victory at San Siro back in early February .

Mar 20, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Storari

Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie

Borriello, Del Piero

AC MILAN

Abbiati

Bonera, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini

Aquilani, Van Bommel, Nocerino

Emanuelson

Ibrahimovic, El Shaarawy

Juventus have one foot in the Coppa Italia final after a 2-1 win at San Siro in the first leg and should be full of confidence after their convincing 5-0 triumph over Fiorentina in Serie A.

Coach Antonio Conte looks set to go back to a 3-5-2 formation with Giorgio Chiellini recovering from injury to line-up alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Martin Caceres, who scored both goals for the Old Lady in the first leg, while Andrea Barzagli is still nursing a calf injury. Meanwhile Stephan Lichtsteiner, suspended for the club's next Serie A match versus Inter, and Paolo De Ceglie are pushed up into midfield.

Bianconeri talisman Alessandro Del Piero is in contention for a place in the starting XI as striker Marco Borriello, playmaker Andrea Pirlo and goalkeeper Marco Storari are almost certain to face their former team from the starting whistle.

Needing to overturn the aggregate deficit, Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri welcomes back centre-back Philippe Mexes while veterans Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso could also make appearances at some point. However, although defender Alessandro Nesta and attacking midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng are back in training, neither is likely to participate on Tuesday.

Italy international Alberto Aquilani, who has made three substitute appearances in a row for the club, should be handed a first XI berth against his former team-mates while Robinho, Stephan El Shaarawy and Maxi Lopez are all vying for a spot in attack alongside star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus' 5-0 win over Fiorentina on the weekend ended a run of four consecutive draws in the league.

• The Bianconeri are tied with Roma for the most Coppa Italia trophies (nine), but have not won the competition since 1995.

• Del Piero's only goal this season has come in the Coppa Italia, during the quarter-final win over Roma

• AC Milan were the last side in this fixture to score three goals in a single match, when they won 3-0 back in May 2010.

• Aquilani, now on loan at Milan from Liverpool, played on loan at Juventus last season, making 34 appearances for the Turin club.

• In three competitive meetings this season, Allegri's side have failed to defeat Juventus, drawing one and losing two so far.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Feb 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 1

Coppa Italia - Feb 8, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2

Serie A - Oct 2, 2011 - Juventus 2 - AC Milan 0

Club Friendlies - Aug 21, 2011 - AC Milan 2 - Juventus 1

Last Four Matches

Juventus

Mar 17, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 5 - Serie A

Mar 11, 2012 - Genoa 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A

Mar 7, 2012 - Bologna 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Mar 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Chievo 1 - Serie A

AC Milan

Mar 17, 2012 - Parma 0 - AC Milan 2 - Serie A

Mar 11, 2012 - AC Milan 2 - Lecce 0 - Serie A

Mar 6, 2012 - Arsenal 3 - AC Milan 0 - UCL

Mar 3, 2012 - Palermo 0 - AC Milan 4 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Giorgio Chiellini

The Juventus side's star defender returns to the starting XI after sitting out the past few games and his ability to shut down Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Rossoneri's attacks will be pivotal to the Bianconeri's chances of earning a place in the domestic cup final.

Alberto Aquilani

Creativity will be something Milan need if they want to open up coach Conte's rigid defence and Aquilani will be required to not only put his foot on the ball in midfield and control the tempo, but also find some incisive passes to try and put Juventus on the back foot.

Prediction

AC Milan will feel aggrieved as their last clash in Serie A with Juventus had plenty of controversy regarding Sulley Muntari's 'ghost goal' after his effort appeared to have crossed the line before Gianluigi Buffon's save. However, with the Bianconeri holding a significant away victory already, the Scudetto holders will have to come out and attack and that could play into the hosts' hands.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 2 - 2 Milan

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Coppa Italia Betting Preview:

Juventus and AC Milan to end in a draw

Phil Kitromilides can see draw specialists Juve holding the Serie A leaders

to another stalemate this evening at a tempting price considering their solid home form.

Mar 20, 2012

The third meeting of these two giants of Italian football in the last six weeks, sees Juventus holding a slender 2-1 advantage heading into the second leg of this Coppa Italia semi-final.

The team from Turin won the first leg at San Siro back in February, with a 1-1 draw in the league following a couple of weeks later, as Juventus maintained their unbeaten run this season. However, while Juve may be unbeaten, it is Milan who lead Serie A, four points clear at the top.

A keenly contested match is in store this evening with Bet365 pricing a home win at 13/10 (2.30), while a victory for Milan is on offer at 21/10 (3.10).

Juventus have the advantage when it comes to the recent head-to-head record between the two sides, with Milan only having one win in their previous five meetings.

But given Juve's propensity for draws this season, the overwhelming urge to back another stalemate remains, and at odds of 9/4 (3.25) it is well worth backing with it providing a solid enough price, especially given the hosts already holding a lead in the tie.

14 draws for the Old Lady of Italian football this season have seen them relinquish the lead at the top of the table to Milan, and with four draws in their last five matches, they have lost the winning habit.

The fact that they do not have to win to progress, only adds further weight to the argument for backing the draw. For an even bigger price, consider backing 1-1 in the correct score market at 11/2 (6.50) and a repeat of the meeting between these two sides in the league a few weeks ago.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Ibrahimovic to start Coppa Italia clash with Juventus

It had been feared that the Sweden international would be denied the opportunity

to face his old club because of illness but he will once again lead the Rossoneri attack.

Mar 20, 2012

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start for AC Milan in Tuesday night's Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg showdown with Juventus.

It had been reported by Italian media earlier in the day that the Sweden international had been ruled out of the game with a fever but the forward has been paired with Stephan El Shaarawy in the Rossoneri attack, with Robinho again missing out because of the ankle knock he picked up in training last week.

Elsewhere, Philippe Mexes, who has just completed a three-game suspension in Serie A, returns alongside Thiago Silva in defence, with Daniele Bonera the man to make way. Also in defence, Djamel Mesbah replaces Gianluca Zambrotta.

In midfield, Alberto Aquilani and Clarence Seedorf both return from injury, while Gennaro Gattuso, who made a late cameo against Parma at the weekend after finally overcoming his ocular problems, is again named among the Milan substitutes

As for the home side, coach Antonio Conte has, as promised, recalled Alessandro Del Piero up front and replaced Gianluigi Buffon with Marco Storari in goal.

Del Piero will have Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe for company in the Bianconeri's three-pronged attack , with Alessandro Matri having been ruled out through injury Fabio Quagliarella and Marco Borriello both left on the bench once again.

Elsewhere, Giorgio Chiellini returns in defence but Andrea Barzagli remains sidelined with a calf problem, while Emanuele Giaccherini takes over from the benched Claudio Marchisio in midfield.

Juventus (4-3-3): Storari; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini; Pepe, Del Piero, Vucinic.

Subs: Manninger, Caceres, Estigarribia, Marchisio, Padoin, Quagliarella, Borriello.

AC Milan (4-3-1-2): Amelia; Antonini, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Mesbah; Aquilani, Seedorf, Muntari; Emanuelson; Ibrahimovic, El Shaarawy.

Subs: Abbiati, Bonera, yepes, Gattuso, Nocerino, Maxi Lopez, Inzaghi.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Line-ups: Juventus-Milan

Mar 20, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero and Mirko Vucinic take on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Stephan El Shaarawy in the Coppa Italia semi-final tonight.

The Bianconeri won the first leg 2-1 at San Siro, so the pressure is on the Rossoneri to turn that result around with their own away goals.

Antonio Conte has rested Alessandro Matri and Gigi Buffon, while Andrea Barzagli is injured.

He adopts the 4-3-3 system with a largely first choice defence, Andrea Pirlo facing his former teammates flanked by Emanuele Giaccherini and Arturo Vidal in midfield.

Del Piero gets a rare start alongside Vucinic and Simone Pepe. Martin Caceres scored both goals in the first leg, but is on the bench tonight.

Milan’s injury list is extensive and includes Alessandro Nesta, Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Ignazio Abate, Mark Van Bommel, Alexander Merkel, Rodney Strasser, Antonio Cassano and Mathieu Flamini.

There were doubts over whether Ibrahimovic could feature at all, as he has been suffering from flu symptoms, but he is in the starting XI.

Alberto Aquilani starts against his former club, while Clarence Seedorf returns from injury as support for Urby Emanuelson and Stephan El Shaarawy.

Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Vidal; Pepe, Del Piero, Vucinic

Juventus bench: Manninger, Caceres, Estigarribia, Marchisio, Padoin, Quagliarella, Borriello

Milan: Amelia; Antonini, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Mesbah; Aquilani, Seedorf, Muntari; Emanuelson; Ibrahimovic, El Shaarawy

Milan bench: Abbiati, Yepes, Bonera, Nocerino, Gattuso, Maxi Lopez, Inzaghi

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Vucinic extra-time screamer sends Bianconeri

to Coppa Italia final after epic encounter

A 98th minute strike from the Montenegrin takes the Turin giants through to their first

cup final since 2004 after a pulsating semi-final second leg clash against the Rossoneri.

Mar 20, 2012

An extra-time goal from Mirko Vucinic was enough to take Juventus through to the Coppa Italia final after a pulsating 2-2 draw with AC Milan at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.

Holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg, the Turin giants were boosted by an Alessandro Del Piero goal in the first half, but goals after the break from Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez subjected the Bianconeri to their first defeat of 90 minutes this season and took the tie into extra-time. Vucinic stepped up though to score a sumptuous goal to send the Old Lady to the final.

With the Bianconeri holding all the cards going into the game, it was the Rossoneri who started the brighter of the two sides. Milan were completely dominating possession in the early stages, and perhaps should have made Antonio Conte's side pay on 20 minutes. Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned past Andrea Pirlo on the edge of the Juventus area, and, opening up his body, sent a shot goalwards, only to see Marco Storari push it wide of his left-hand post.

Seedorf had a long-range effort that went just a whisker over the bar midway through the half, but on 27 minutes Milan were cursing their wastefulness as the hosts opening the scoring.

A superb run from Stephan Lichtsteiner down the right-hand side culminated in a low cross towards Del Piero, who flicked the ball over the on-rushing Marco Amelia, and coolly tapped it into the net.

Milan were still dominating the play – ending the half with just under 60 per cent of the possession – but it was Juve who had the best chance just before the break. Mirko Vucinic was played through by Arturo Vidal, but delayed his cross for too long, and the eventual ball to Emanuele Giaccherini was slightly too high as he headed wide.

The sides returned for the second period, and almost immediately a deep searching through ball from Philippe Mexes alluded all the Juventus defenders inside the area and reached the far post, where Mesbah finished brilliantly with a diving header into the top right-hand corner of the net.

With the scoreline on the night level, the wind was really in the Rossoneri's sails, and they perhaps should have added a second goal just 15 minutes later. A deep cross from the right by Luca Antonini found Sulley Muntari at the back post, but he couldn't quite bundle the ball home under pressure from Leonardo Bonucci.

The wave-after-wave of Milan attacks eventually paid dividends though on 81 minutes. Maxi Lopez received the ball just outside the area, turned Chiellini, and smashed it into the top right-hand corner past Storari.

Juventus substitute, and former Milan striker, Marco Borriello, had the best opportunity to avoid extra-time just moments later. Played through by Giaccherini, the Italian forward found himself one-on-one with Amelia, but he could only hit his effort straight at the keeper, and with that, the teams went into the added 30 minutes.

Extra-time began with exactly the same frenetic tempo as the game itself, and within minutes, Juventus had two great chances to score. Firstly, a cross from the right found Claudio Marchisio, but he blazed over. And secondly, Vucinic played Giaccherini clean through on goal, but the former Cesena man, deciding to go around Amelia, had the ball taken from under his feet by the keeper.

But midway through the first period, all of that was forgotten as Vucinic struck a beautiful effort from 30 yards into the top right-hand corner of the net to give the Bianconeri a 4-3 aggregate lead going into half-time.

The second period quickly turned into a scrappy midfield battle, with lots of late, niggling challenges. And despite a late charge from Milan, the referee blew for full-time to take Juventus through to their first cup final since 2004.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Vucinic seals Juve-Milan thriller!

Mar 20, 2012

Milan won 2-1 after 90 minutes, but a magnificent Mirko Vucinic strike in extra time has sent Juventus into the Coppa Italia Final 4-3 on aggregate.

These two sides were battling for the Scudetto, but also went head-to-head in the Coppa Italia semi-final. Juve won the first leg 2-1 at San Siro, but missed Alessandro Matri, Andrea Barzagli and rested Gigi Buffon. Alessandro Del Piero made a rare start, as Andrea Pirlo faced his former teammates.

Milan’s injury list included Alessandro Nesta, Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Ignazio Abate, Mark Van Bommel, Antonio Cassano and Mathieu Flamini. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was able to start despite suffering from flu symptoms.

An early Ibrahimovic free kick was charged down by the wall, but Sulley Muntari was booked for a lunging tackle on Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Ibra’s toe-poke angled drive was palmed just past El Shaarawy and the far post by Marco Storari at full stretch. From the corner, Thiago Silva nodded over.

A Clarence Seedorf screamer from distance swerved marginally wide of the top corner, but it was Juventus who took the lead.

Pirlo flicked a ball over Djamel Mesbah for Lichtsteiner, who rolled across for Del Piero from six yards to skip past Marco Amelia and deposit into an empty net.

Mirko Vucinic had another chance on the counter moments later, but the finish was too weak and straight at Amelia. Alberto Aquilani was booked for a very late tackle that propelled Vucinic into the advertising board. The Montenegrin was absolutely livid and, after carrying on his protests for several minutes, also received a yellow card.

Before half-time a Pirlo daisy-cutter was well held by Amelia. In first half stoppages Vucinic took advantage of a defensive error, but Vidal’s header whistled wide with Del Piero just unable to get the final touch at the back post.

Maxi Lopez replaced Ibrahimovic, who had been in doubt before kick-off. Milan immediately equalised, as a long pass from Philippe Mexes found Mesbah’s brilliant diving header from six yards to stun Storari, as he snuck in behind Simone Pepe.

Storari smothered a Maxi Lopez attempt, but Muntari went closer when failing to make strong enough contact with an Aquilani cross under pressure from Lichtsteiner. Moments later at the other end Del Piero skipped past Mexes and pulled back from the by-line for a crucial Thiago Silva intervention.

Vucinic went on a solo slalom only to hit the side-netting from a very tight angle. Another Muntari snapshot was caught with the same fate falling to a Claudio Marchisio strike, while El Shaarawy tried to battle his way through a crowd of Juve defenders but was unable to get his finish away.

Pippo Inzaghi came off the bench to replace El Shaarawy against his former club. Luca Antonini risked an own goal with a defensive volley.

Milan took the lead with a spectacular Maxi Lopez strike. The former Catania man gathered with his back to goal, leaned into Chiellini, spun round to ride a tackle and smashed the fiercre shot under the bar.

It was a goal that put everything level on aggregate, so would take the tie to extra time. Marco Borriello had a great chance to seal the tie for Juve against his former club when springing the offside trap in midfield, but went too wide and fired straight at Amelia.

Seedorf thumped wide from long range, while a Vidal glancing header was into Amelia’s arms. Milan almost won the tie at the 93rd minute with a remarkable run from Urby Emanuelson, but Inzaghi just couldn’t get the tap-in from a Maxi Lopez assist.

Juve did the same at the other end, as Vucinic’s deflected effort beat Amelia to skim the far post. From the corner, Vucinic hammered a powerful strike just over the bar, so it went to extra time.

Within 30 seconds of extra time, Borriello had stung Amelia’s palms and Marchisio fired the follow-up wide. Then Emanuele Giaccherini sprung the offside trap to go clear from a Vucinic through ball, but Amelia plucked the ball off his foot.

Martin Caceres had a strike deflected over from the edge of the box, but Vucinic did put Juventus back in front on aggregate with an absolute blockbuster! He gathered 30 metres from goal and smashed the right-foot screamer into the far top corner past Amelia’s flailing hand.

Juventus assistant manager Angelo Alessio was sent off for dissent, while Vidal was booked for bringing down Emanuelson on a powerful counter-attack. Amelia parried a Borriello shot on the turn at the base of the near stick, while Inzaghi’s first touch let him down on a ball into the box.

Juventus 2-2 Milan aet (4-3 agg)

Scorers: Del Piero 27 (J), Mesbah 51 (M), Maxi Lopez 81 (M), Vucinic 96 (J)

Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner (Caceres 90), Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Vidal; Pepe (Marchisio 63), Del Piero (Borriello 73), Vucinic

Milan: Amelia; Antonini, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Mesbah; Aquilani (Nocerino 67), Seedorf, Muntari; Emanuelson; Ibrahimovic (Maxi Lopez 46), El Shaarawy (Inzaghi 77)

Ref: Orsato

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Old Lady edge through

Mar 20, 2012

A goal in extra-time by Mirco Vucinic was enough to guide Juventus into the final of the Coppa Italia after a thrilling second leg against AC Milan.

The hosts started the game with a 2-1 lead from the first leg which they extended after 28 minutes through Alessandro Del Piero.

Djamel Mesbah's header reduced the deficit before a superb turn and strike by Maxi Lopez drew Milan level nine minutes from the end to force the tie into extra-time.

However, after 98 minutes Vucinic unleashed a shot into the top left-hand corner as Juve moved into the final.

The game was open from the outset. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's right-footed shot was saved by Marco Storari to his bottom left with Clarence Seedorf's right-footed shot going narrowly wide.

Vucinic fired in a shot which Marco Amelia saved down to his right before Del Piero slotted home a close-range effort as the hosts went further ahead in the tie.

Milan levelled on the night six minutes after half-time through Mesbah's header from Philippe Mexes' cross with Sulley Muntari missing from close range.

Lopez then levelled the tie with a classy turn and shot into the top right-hand corner to send the game into extra-time.

Claudio Marchisio squandered a great chance when he shot over and Emanuele Giaccherni was denied at close range before Vucinic shot into the top right-hand corner.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Vucinic sends Juve into final

Mar 20, 2012

Mirko Vucinic's extra-time strike sent Juventus into their first Italian Cup final since 2004 following a 2-2 draw with AC Milan on Tuesday, giving them a 4-3 aggregate victory.

Milan had forced extra time by leading 2-1 after 90 minutes but ultimately paid for their semi-final, first leg defeat at home last month.

Veteran Alessandro Del Piero had given Juve a first-half lead but second period goals from Djamel Mesbah, his first for Milan, and Maxi Lopez forced the extra period. Vucinic's goal ensured Juve still have not been beaten this season in 32 games, although they would have lost had the match ended after 90 minutes.

It meant first blood to Juve against the team against whom they're also fighting for the Serie A title. "Going through means a lot to us, we're really proud," said goalscorer Del Piero.

"I'm delighted for tonight, as much for my goal as for qualification. We're here fighting on both fronts and we'll fight to the end."

Milan remove star power

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said his side had lost it in the first leg. "I'm happy with the performance, the lads played well," he said.

"It was a good game, I'm disappointed we haven't reached the final after a game like this because the lads did everything. I'm disappointed to go out in this way but we were compromised already from the San Siro result."

Milan started the game knowing they didn't just need to win but also needed at least two goals. They certainly made the early running but created little of any danger. Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit a cross-cum-shot with little power that seemed to surprise Marco Storari in the Juve goal, but he pushed it away.

Thiago Silva then came up for a corner but headed over when well placed. Veteran Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf set his sights from distance and had a whack but couldn't find the target.

The only moment of true quality in the first half came from the hosts and resulted in the deadlock being broken. Andrea Pirlo chipped the ball down the right for the overlapping Stephan Lichsteiner, who centred for Del Piero to nip in front of Marco Amelia, dink it over the 'keeper and slot into the empty net.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri seemed almost to throw in the towel at half-time and start to look to future league commitments as he removed star player Ibrahimovic and thrust on Maxi Lopez.

However, Milan hit back in surprising fashion as centre-back Philippe Mexes launched a long ball over the defence and full-back Mesbah lost his marker Simone Pepe to send a diving header into the top corner, leaving Storari helpless.

Vucinic, who was having one of his more dazzling days, lacked a finish as he waltzed into the area but hit the side-netting with his shot.

But Allegri was proved right nine minutes from time as Maxi Lopez brilliantly held off Giorgio Chiellini on the edge of the box, turned his man, beat Leonardo Bonucci with quick feet and fired, with limited backlift, an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Former Milan player Marco Borriello should have won it for Juve late on but having beaten the offside trap to run onto Emanuele Giaccherini's through ball, he first stumbled, losing the opportunity to shoot with his favoured left, and then shot weakly with his right, allowing Amelia to save easily.

The hosts could have buried the tie in the first few minutes of extra time but Milan somehow survived. Amelia saved from Borriello and Claudio Marchisio then sent the follow-up off target with the goal gaping.

Vucinic hit a stunning reverse pass to put Giaccherini in one-on-one but Amelia timed his dive at the forward's feet to perfection. Martin Caceres's shot was then deflected off target but on 96 minutes Vucinic finally found the net with a rocket from distance into the top corner.

Milan pushed late on but couldn't find the grandstand finish they needed.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Coppa Italia Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved in the second-leg clash in Turin,

which was ultimately settled in extra time in Juventus' favour courtesy of Mirko Vucinic.

Mar 20, 2012

Juventus

Marco Storari 6.5 - Had very little to do in the first half, though he did save well from Ibrahimovic 20 minutes in. Conceded twice in the second half but could not be faulted for either goal, after being given no chance by both Mesbah and Maxi Lopez.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Gave away a free-kick for a foul on Ibrahimovic in a very dangerous position early on but, for the most part, the versatile Italy international performed competently on his return to the side and formed a solid centre-back pairing with Bonucci.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - Juve coughed up two goals but Bonucci had a decent game at the back for the Bianconeri without ever really catching the eye with any last-gasp interceptions or crunching tackles.

Paolo De Ceglie 6.0 - Did not make much of an impression going forward, with Juve having spent most of the first half on the back foot. However, he defended well, though he was not exactly overworked given Milan's lack of width.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 5.5 - Always a threat going forward and made the opening goal with a clever run in behind the Milan defence before then picking out Del Piero at the near post. Defensively, though, he was sloppy at times and was lucky not to be punished for giving the ball away by Ibrahimovic. Came in from rough treatment at times and was replaced by Caceres just before the end of normal time.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - The architect of Del Piero's opener, the former Milan midfielder playing a lovely ball in behind for Lichtsteiner to get onto. Tested Amelia towards the tail end of the first half but he was not quite as influential as he would have hoped against his former side and his set-piece delivery was poor at times.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 6.5 - Had an early penalty appeal turned down while also threatened to win the tie for Juve right at the end of normal time but he was unable to generate sufficient power on his header. Overall, he worked hard but did not really manage to impose himself on the game.

Emanuele Giaccherini 5.0 - Got the nod ahead of Marchisio in midfield but did absolutely nothing to justify his inclusion and blew a glorious opportunity to win the tie for Juventus after being put straight through just before the end of normal time.

Simone Pepe 5.0 - Chopped down by Mesbah early on and it felt like that he never really recovered because he did not make a contribution worth of note before being replaced by Marchisio just after the hour mark.

Alessandro Del Piero 7.0 - Handed a rare start by Conte and vindicated his coach's show of faith in him by opening the scoring, the legendary trequarista demonstrating his characteristic coolness in front of goal by calmly controlling Lichsteiner's cross under pressure from Amelia before slotting the ball into an unguarded net. Came close to doubling Juve's advantage but was unable to get his head on a Vucinic cross. Unsurprisingly, his 37-year-old legs tired as the game wore on and he was replaced by Borriello before the end of normal time.

Mirko Vučinić 8.0 - Followed up his terrific performance in Florence with another tremendously influential display. Caused problems with his movement and quick feet throughout and was the victim of several dreadful challenges, the worst of which came courtesy of Aquilani. Tested Amelia half an hour in before later leaving the Milan goalkeeper with absolutely no chance with a stunning long-range drive. Vucinic looks to have come into form at precisely the right time for the Bianconeri.

• Substitutions

Martín Cáceres 6.0 - The versatile Uruguayan came on for Lichsteiner just before the end of normal time and performed well in extra time.

Claudio Marchisio 5.5 - Replaced Pepe midway through the second period but did not really make a big impression on proceedings.

Marco Borriello 5.0 - Thrown on in place of Del Piero on 73 minutes and was presented with a glorious chance to settle the tie in normal time. But his composure and his control let him down as he took far too long to get a shot away after being put straight in on goal.

AC Milan

Marco Amelia 6.0 - Was outfoxed by Del Piero for Juve's opener and later beaten from distance by Vucinic, but Amelia did make a number of decent stops and also saved his side on two separate occasions at the end of normal time when Borriello and then Giaccherini were put in on goal.

Luca Antonini 5.0 - Offered little going forward and was also beaten for pace by Vucinic with embarrassing ease at one point before then coming very close to scoring a spectacular own goal.

Philippe Mexes 7.0 - Recalled to the Milan side in place of Bonera and he made several crucial interceptions, though he did over complicate things for himself at times. Deserves credit for fashioning Milan's equaliser by picking out Mesbah in the box.

Thiago Silva 6.5 - As ever, a threat at set-pieces and the model of composure at the back for Milan, though he was booked for a needless foul on Vidal in extra time.

Alberto Aquilani 4.5 - Made his first start since returning from injury and put himself about. However, he was lucky to stay on the field for a dreadful challenge on Vucinic which he only earned a booking for. Ran out of steam well before being replaced midway through the second half.

Clarence Seedorf 5.5 - Very nearly marked his return to the first team with a goal but his powerful strike from distance midway through the first half flew just inches wide. Tracked back well at times but never really made anything happen going forward. Not his most productive display.

Djamel Mesbah 6.0 - Took his goal wonderfully well, powering a header past Storari after being picked out in the area by Mexes, and he put in a couple of nice crosses himself. However, he again looked horribly shaky from a defensive perspective, going missing as Lichtsteiner teed up Del Piero and then letting Vucinic in by running into Thiago Silva.

Sulley Ali Muntari 5.0 - Put in another serious shift in midfield but his most notable contributions were a terribly late tackle on Lichtsteiner early on and the most atrocious attempt at an overheard kick.

Urby Emanuelson 4.5 - Has been showing real signs of improvement of late but he struggled terribly to get into this game and it was easy to forget he was playing.

Stephan El Shaarawy 5.0 - Pretty poor showing from El Shaarawy, who covered a lot of ground but never looked remotely like scoring before being hauled off for Inzhaghi 15 minutes before the end of normal time.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 5.5 - A surprise starter given he was said to have been suffering with a fever before the game and he only made it to half-time before being replaced. In fairness to the Swede, he very nearly scored while he was on the field, forcing Storari into a good save midway through the opening period.

• Substitutions

Antonio Nocerino 5.5 - Came on for Aquilani and was busy without being effective.

Filippo Inzaghi 5.5 - Replaced El Shaarawy at the tail end of normal time but, in truth, did not really look like scoring what would have been a most satisfying goal for the former Bianconeri forward.

Maxi López 7.0 - Introduced in place of Ibrahimovic during the half-time interval and made his mark with the stunning strike which forced extra time.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Del Piero tells of his pride at reaching Coppa Italia final

The veteran striker was full of praise for his side, and told reporters

how pleased he was to beat AC Milan and progress through to the showpiece.

Mar 20, 2012

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero has spoken of his pride at reaching the Coppa Italia final, after his side drew 2-2 with AC Milan in a pulsating semi-final at Juventus Stadium, heading through 4-3 on aggregate.

The veteran forward scored a goal late in the first half to give his side a 1-0 lead, and told reporters after the game how happy he was to reach the final for the first time since 2004.

“It means so much to us,” said the 37-year-old, “I'm really proud [to reach the final]. It was nice to play tonight, and I think you all saw my happiness at getting the goal.”

He also threw down the gauntlet to the Rossoneri, with both sides battling for the Scudetto.

He added: “We will now fight on both fronts, and try to give them a hard time right until the end.”

Del Piero has been instrumental in Juventus' run to the final, scoring important goals against Roma in the quarter-final and Milan on Tuesday.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: 'Milan had no more'

Mar 20, 2012

Massimiliano Allegri feels Milan “could not have done any more” after their thrilling Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus.

“I am happy with the performance, Juventus played well and punished us at the first chance,” said the Coach after a 2-2 extra time draw in Turin.

The result was not enough to put the Rossoneri in the Coppa Italia Final, as they go out 4-3 on aggregate.

“Extra time really weighed on us and I used players who hadn’t featured in a while. It’s a shame, because the lads really could not have done any more. In extra time we were no longer able to pressure up the field and Mirko Vucinic scored a fantastic goal.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in doubt with flu symptoms, but played the first 45 minutes before making way for Maxi Lopez.

“He went off due to a back problem. Maxi Lopez had a wonderful game, as on top of the goal he fought hard and can also play alongside Ibra.

“Marco Amelia said Alessandro Del Piero’s goal included a handling offence, but I’m not sure, so we accept this decision. It’s true I protested at certain points, but it was all down to the adrenaline of the game. The referee did very well and we accept the perfectly right result on the field.

“In any case, I am confident about the future.”

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Del Piero hails Juve-Milan

Mar 20, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero enjoyed tonight’s exciting Coppa Italia clash. “Milan and Juventus have always had and will always have great games.”

The captain scored the opening goal in a semi-final second leg that ended 2-2 after extra time, sending the Bianconeri through 4-3 on aggregate.

“We are happy at our qualification for the Final. Milan and Juventus have always had and will always have great games, because they are two huge clubs,” said Del Piero.

“Even after Zlatan Ibrahimovic went off, Milan played very well and forced us into extra time. Thankfully we were then able to find the decisive goal.”

The teams are also doing battle in Serie A for the Scudetto, as four points separate them at the top of the table.

“We will fight on both fronts until the bitter end and I promise we’ll make life very difficult indeed for Milan until the last game.”

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Alessio steps in for Conte

Mar 21, 2012

Juventus assistant boss Angelo Alessio was left to talk to the media following the Coppa success against Milan after Antonio Conte lost his voice.

The Old Lady sealed their place in the Italian Cup Final after an extra time goal from Mirko Vucinic made it 2-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.

“Antonio lives through every match with passion and now he is voiceless,” the former Old Lady midfielder noted.

“It was a great game and the players put in a great performance given that they strongly wanted to reach the Final.

“They’ve been giving their all for the last eight months, but we still have petrol left in the tank thanks to the work we did in the summer.”

Juve took the lead through Alessandro Del Piero, but a spirited Rossoneri side hit back with Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez.

“We faced a great team this evening,” continued Alessio. “And we were forced to limit our pressing game.

“However, we did well to immediately react after Milan had taken the lead and we reacted even better in extra time.

“We had three opportunities to score and then we finally did with Vucinic.”

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Pirlo respects brave Milan

Mar 21, 2012

Andrea Pirlo has praised the efforts of former club Milan after Juventus eliminated them from the Italian Cup on Tuesday.

The Rossoneri forced the tie into extra time with a 2-1 win over the 90 minutes, but the Old Lady made it 2-2 with Mirko Vucinic netting the goal which takes them to the Final.

“It was a great game and we are happy that we have qualified,” the summer signing from San Siro noted. “However, honour to Milan as they played a great game.”

Having disposed of the Stadio Meazza outfit in the Italian Cup, Juve will now be concentrating on catching them at the top of the table in Serie A.

“Our objective is to try to win each game left in order to remain close to Milan,” continued the 32-year-old.

The Turin giants entertain Inter this weekend, while Milan will face Luis Enrique’s Roma. The Rossoneri are currently four points clear of second place Juve.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Goals the only change for Vucinic

Mar 21, 2012

Mirko Vucinic is proud to have silenced his critics, but he insists he wasn’t playing that badly before his recent rush of goals.

The striker has scored three times in his last four games for the club after a period in which he was jeered by some of the fans.

“I was playing well even before, but the goals didn’t come,” he told the Juventus website. “Now I’m scoring with continuity, but this isn’t the main aspect.

“The most important thing is that the team achieves positive results. The fundamental aspect against Milan was to get through to the Coppa Italia Final. We wanted it, exactly like our fans did.”

Vucinic played a key role in last night’s 2-2 draw with the Rossoneri as his sensational extra time goal sealed a 4-3 aggregate win.

“Every now and again I can score these types of goals,” he continued. “Fortunately it went in this time…

“Milan caused us some difficulties, especially with their ball possession. But we managed to clinch this overall victory thanks to our drive, determination, running and sacrifice.

“You just have to consider the covering work carried out by our wide attackers and midfielders. And in extra time our strengths weren’t wasted.”

Having booked their spot in the Final, Juventus are now concentrating on reducing the four point gap between themselves and Milan in Serie A.

“We gave a lot against Milan, but it doesn’t really change anything,” the summer signing from Roma added.

“When you play Inter, you know that you’re facing a great side and that you’re required to give your all.”

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Another Juve record for Del Piero

Mar 21, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero set a new club record for Juventus on Tuesday for minutes played in the black and white shirt.

The veteran’s 73-minute appearance in the Coppa Italia 2-2 draw with Milan saw him reach the 48,610 minute mark for the Old Lady – as he surpassed Gaetano Scirea’s 48,559 tally.

Del Piero, who joined the club in 1993 from Padova, is also the club’s most prolific scorer of all-time and last night’s strike was his 287th for the Old Lady.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: We leave the Coppa Italia with our heads held high

The Rossoneri's treble hopes were ended in Turin by Mirko Vucinic's extra-time strike

but their coach was enthused by his side's performance against the Bianconeri.

Mar 21, 2012

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was disappointed at bowing out of the Coppa Italia at the hands of Juventus on Tuesday night but felt that his players were entitled to hold their heads high after a spirited showing in the semi-final second-leg clash.

The Rossoneri had gone into the game trailing 2-1 after their meeting at San Siro last month but the visitors managed to force extra time, after replying to Alessandro Del Piero's 28th-minute opener with second-half goals from Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez.

Mirko Vucinic's stunning long-range strike ultimately settled the tie in the hosts' favour but Allegri saw no reason to be downbeat afterwards, and insisted that Milan will have no problems picking themselves back up for Saturday's crucial Serie A clash with Roma.

"Milan have gone out with their heads held high," the former Cagliari boss told Rai after the full-time whistle. "I'm happy with the performance from the lads.

"It's a pity that we haven't been able to reach the final, but we brought some players back who had not played for a while.

"In extra-time we were very tired, we had expended a lot of energy and we were not able to really attack them.

"We will be ready for Saturday as we have four days to recuperate. A few players did not play tonight, while some others were effectively only on the field for a half, like [Antonio] Nocerino and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic

"I'm confident ahead of our upcoming matches because the team played a good game tonight."

Ibrahimovic had been replaced by during the half-time interval, sparking fears that he might not be available for the visit of the Giallorossi but Allegri insisted that the Sweden international's withdrawal had been a purely precautionary measure.

"Ibrahimovic still had some back pain so I decided to take him off," the 44-year-old coach explained.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Conte voiceless after Coppa Italia triumph over AC Milan

Juventus coach shouted himself hoarse and had to send his assistant coach to face

the media after the hosts had booked their place in the final courtesy a 2-2 draw.

Mar 21, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte lost his voice over the course of his side's dramatic Coppa Italia semi-final success over AC Milan on Tuesday night and was unable to attend his post-game press conference as a consequence.

The Bianconeri boss had to send assistant coach Angelo Alessio to face the media after shouting himself hoarse after an absorbing 120 minutes of action in which the hosts opened the scoring through Alessandro Del Piero, fell behind after second-half goals from Rossoneri duo Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez, only to then book their place in the tournament decider thanks to a thunderbolt from Mirko Vucinic.

“Antonio always lives each match with such passion, and now he’s voiceless," Alessio is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

"We’ve produced a great performance, and this has occurred thanks to the lads, who really wanted to get through to the final. They’ve been giving their all for eight months in order to achieve this goal.

"This evening, we’ve faced a great side and we’ve been forced to limit our pressing.

"We’ve done well in reacting immediately after Milan had gone in front, and in extra-time we’ve reacted even better, creating three goal chances and finally netting through Vucinic."

Juventus now turn their attention back to overhauling the Rossoneri at the top of Serie A, with the Bianconeri set to host Inter on Sunday evening, a day after Milan meet Roma at San Siro.

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Vucinic hails Juventus' drive and determination after overcoming AC Milan

The Montenegro international has expressed his delight with the Old Lady's progress

to the final of the Coppa Italia, and feels their determination made the difference.

Mar 21, 2012

Juventus attacker Mirko Vucinic has admitted that AC Milan caused the Bianconeri problems in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final in Turin on Tuesday, but stressed that their team's determination and drive helped them through.

Juve defended a 2-1 lead from the first leg and appeared to be on their way to the final when Alessandro Del Piero opened the scoring just before half-hour mark. However, goals from Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez forced the game into extra time.

But a Vucinic strike in the 96th minute made it 2-2 on the night to fire the Old Lady into the Coppa Italia final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

"Milan caused some difficulties after the opener, especially with their ball possession. But we managed to clinch this overall victory thanks to our drive, determination, running and sacrifice," Vucinic stated to reporters.

"Just think about the defensive work carried out by the wide attackers and midfielders. And in extra time our effort was rewarded.

"The most important thing is that the team achieves positive results. This evening, the fundamental thing was to get through to the final. We wanted it as much as our fans did."

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Pirlo: Juventus have achieved first goal of the season

in reaching Coppa Italia final

The Italy international has expressed his satisfaction with his side's progress

to the Italian cup final, and stated that the race for the Scudetto is not over just yet.

Mar 21, 2012

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has voiced his delight with the Old Lady's qualification for the final of the Coppa Italia at the expense of AC Milan.

The Turin giants beat their rivals 4-3 on aggregate following Mirko Vucinic's strike in extra time of Tuesday's second leg (2-2 AET), and Pirlo has stressed that Juventus have to celebrate their success before turning their attention to Serie A again.

"It’s been a great game, and we’re happy with our achievement, because we got through to the final against a great side, thus achieving our first goal of the season," Pirlo was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website.

"We strongly wanted to win, and we also appreciated that the whole public enjoyed the match. Now, we don’t think about our tiredness nor about our next fixture against Inter, we only need to celebrate our success.

"If the run towards the Scudetto is still open? Our task is to try to win each game in order to remain close to Milan."

[Socrates 8328]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 2

Alessandro Del Piero (28′)

Djamel Mesbah (51′)

Maxi López (81′)

Mirko Vučinić (98′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Bonucci: 'Juve on par with Milan'

Mar 22, 2012

Leonardo Bonucci feels Juventus are now joint Scudetto favourites with Milan, but first have to beat Inter “at all costs.”

The Bianconeri are second in Serie A, but knocked the Rossoneri out of the Coppa Italia semi-final 4-3 on aggregate this week.

“I am very happy at this qualification. In the four games that we have played against Milan, we showed that we can keep up the head-to-head,” Bonucci wrote on his official website.

“After all, we beat them twice and drew twice. This must give us strength and belief in our abilities.

“If I always said Milan were the favourites for the Scudetto, then now I can say this: We’re there too!!! And if Milan make a mistake, then we are there.

“As for Sunday night, we have to face Inter, a side I really don’t trust. We’ve got to win at all costs. Of course, at the end of the day may the best team win, as always.”