Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 1-1 Lazio (2-1 AET) : Matri
fires Bianconeri to Coppa Italia glory

The striker scored in extra-time to maintain the club's bid for a famous treble.

May 20, 2014

Juventus lifted the Coppa Italia trophy with a 2-1 win over Lazio thanks to Alessandro Matri's injury-time strike on Wednesday.

Massimiliano Allegri's men were desperate to end a barren spell in the competition having lost their last three finals and, although they struggled in regulation time, Matri proved decisive in the 97th minute to wrap up a domestic double.

Things had started dreadfully for the Champions League finalists, as Lazio captain Stefan Radu gave the Rome club a fourth-minute lead inside their Stadio Olimpico ground.

Giorgio Chiellini hit back in spectacular fashion shortly after as Juve eyed a turnaround in search of a record 10th Coppa victory, but Lazio looked the more threatening in attack.

Filip Djordjevic was particularly dangerous after his 82nd-minute introduction, testing Marco Storari and striking both posts early on in extra-time.

But Juve were absolutely clinical when it mattered, Matri stroking home after seeing a previous strike cruelly disallowed for offside in the 87th minute, leaving Allegri's men with only Barcelona standing in the way of a treble.

The Turin giants were slow out of the blocks and Lazio's urgency from the start was rewarded after just four minutes.

Danilo Cataldi whipped in a fine free-kick delivery from the right after an Arturo Vidal foul and Radu found the top-right corner with a combination of his head and shoulder.

Conceding the opener provided the wake-up call Juve needed, though, and parity was restored just seven minutes later as Chiellini fired into the roof of the net with an unorthodox close-range finish following Patrice Evra's header.

Despite surrendering their lead, Lazio continued to look the more fluid of the two teams in attack.

Cataldi should have restored the one-goal advantage with 27 minutes on the clock, but he could only hit a feeble 18-yard effort straight at Storari, before Marco Parolo smashed a half-volley agonisingly wide from distance shortly after.

Lazio were lucky to escape just before the break, though, as Carlos Tevez sliced over from 12 yards following a cut-back from Evra.

The first real chance of the second half did not arrive until the 84th minute and Lazio wasted it, as substitute Djordjevic ran through and hit a tame effort at Storari when one-on-one.

A Juve substitute then thought he had stolen a late triumph soon after, but Matri was harshly adjudged to have been offside when finding the net and the contest ultimately went to extra-time.

Lazio began the extra 30 minutes with intent, but luck was not on their side, as Djordjevic's 30-yard effort hit both posts early on and Matri capitalised soon after.

Tevez's initial effort was blocked well on the edge of the area, but the Italian was on hand to find the bottom-right corner, though goalkeeper Etrit Berisha should have done better.

Juve then proceeded to absorb pressure in expert fashion and Lazio's lack of ideas saw Allegri's men see out the encounter, surpassing Roma as the Coppa's most-decorated club.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Coppa Italia: Juve beat Lazio for Decima

May 20, 2014

Alessandro Matri struck to give Juventus the Coppa Italia Final 2-1 over Lazio in extra time, so the Treble is still on.

The Turin giants fought back from an early Stefan Radu goal with Giorgio Chiellini to take the 10th edition of the trophy, though Filip Djordjevic hit both posts with one shot.

While the Bianconeri were targeting the Treble, having already secured the Scudetto and preparing for the Champions League Final against Barcelona, the Aquile were looking to recapture the trophy they last won in 2013. Juve hadn’t lifted the trophy since 1995 and had Claudio Marchisio and Alvaro Morata suspended. Lucas Biglia was injured for Stefano Pioli’s side at the Stadio Olimpico, but surprisingly both teams used three at the back.

It took just four minutes to break the deadlock, as a free kick was whipped in for Stefan Radu’s header at the near top corner. Andrea Pirlo was in front of him, but didn’t jump high enough to cut out the assist.

However, the Juventus captain was also on target soon after. Pirlo’s free kick was knocked down by Paul Pogba for an acrobatic Giorgio Chiellini volley from six yards, almost an overhead kick.

Fernando Llorente and Felipe Anderson fired over the bar, while Danilo Cataldi didn’t put enough power on to his counter to beat Marco Storari.

Pogba almost gifted Lazio a second, as his poor control on the edge of the box allowed Marco Parolo to smash a fierce strike inches past the post. Etrit Berisha also hesitated and Carlos Tevez pounced, but the ricochet rescued the Aquile goalkeeper.

After the restart Pogba’s header and a Parolo snapshot sailed over the bar, while Felipe Anderson turned on the turbo to surge past Chiellini and Miroslav Klose’s first touch let him down.

Parolo blasted off target and Lazio lost Radu to injury, while Leo Bonucci accepted a booking to terminate Antonio Candreva’s dangerous counter. Felipe Anderson wasted a great opportunity, as he hesitated and allowed Roberto Pereyra to close him down.

Filip Djordjevic came off the bench and almost restored Lazio’s lead, running on to a long ball, but Marco Storari was alert to smother at his feet.

Alessandro Matri had the ball in the net when running on to a Pirlo pass over the top, but was flagged offside in a tight decision.

Deep into stoppages, Tevez aimed a sudden snapshot not far over the bar, but the teams could not be divided in 90 minutes.

Lazio swore they had scored in extra time when Djordjevic unleashed a rocket from distance, but it bounced off the inside of the near post and then hit the other upright to go back out. It was an extraordinary strike and so unlucky.

Matri nodded a Pereyra pull-back over from six yards, but then the substitute turned the Final around completely. Pouncing on the rebound from a Tevez blocked shot, he hit it too powerfully from 10 yards for Berisha to keep out, the ball bouncing off his wrist and into the roof of the net. It was a splendid Pirlo pass to begin the move, but Matri’s second Coppa Italia goal for Juve after scoring in the semi-final against Fiorentina.

Dusan Basta drilled wide from a Lazio corner and Pirlo tried to curl a free kick directly from a tight angle, punched away by Berisha. Keita Balde Diao’s strike was deflected and Tevez fired wide.


Juventus 2-1 Lazio aet

Scorers: Radu 4 (L), Chiellini 11 (J), Matri 97 (J)

Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Padoin 114), Pogba (Pereyra 78), Pirlo, Vidal, Evra; Tevez, Llorente (Matri 85)

Lazio: Berisha; De Vrij (Keita 105), Gentiletti, Radu (Mauricio 71); Basta, Parolo, Cataldi, Lulic; Candreva, Klose (Djordjevic 82), Felipe Anderson

Ref: Orsato

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 2-1 Lazio AET: Matri Wins
Bianconeri 10th Coppa Italia

May 20, 2014

Juventus defeated Lazio 2-1 after extra time in the Coppa Italia Final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Wednesday night.

Stefan Radu opened the scoring for the Aquile and Giorgio Chiellini equalised for the Bianconeri in the first half while Alessandro Matri scored the winner in extra time.

Lazio lead after just four minutes when a free-kick from the right was headed in by Radu. His header looped into the goal and Juve goalkeeper Marco Storari couldn’t keep the ball out despite getting a touch.

Juventus equalised seven minutes later when a long Andrea Pirlo free-kick found Chiellini, whose scissor kick beat Etrit Berisha in the Lazio goal. Minutes later, Lazio midfielder Marco Parolo received a yellow card for a foul on Arturo Vidal.

Both teams created chances but the goalkeepers weren’t forced into making any demanding saves. Fernando Llorente headed the ball over the bar, Felipe Anderson blasted a shot high, Danilo Cataldi struck the ball straight at Storari and Evra also headed over the bar.

Berisha charged out of his box to head the ball away but soon after he kicked the ball into Carlos Tevez, whose touch near diverted the ball into the net.

Defences were on top for the first 10 minutes of the second half then the chances slowly came. Paul Pogba headed a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross over the bar and Parolo tried his luck from distance. Leonardo Bonucci received a yellow card for tripping Antonio Candreva minutes after Evra was yellow carded for tripping.

Santiago Gentiletti curled a free-kick over the bar and Parolo had another chance that went off target.

As the second half progress, Juve became more defensive and Lazio looked more willing to win the game in open play. Candreva and Anderson made some dribbles but they failed to create chances on goal with them.

Roberto Pererya came on for Pogba and his cross-shot flashed across goal, and Alessandro Matri, who replaced Llorente, had a goal ruled out for offside. In stoppage time, Tevez’s swerving shot from distance just went over the bar.

Filip Djordjevic replaced Klose in the second half and he hit both posts early in extra time with a left-foot strike. Then Matri headed wide after a Pereyra cross.

Matri put Juventus ahead seven minutes into extra time. He controlled the ball on the outside of his right boot and side-footed a shot with his right foot. Berisha got a touch but failed to keep the ball out.

Candreva was yellow carded early in the second period of extra time for a foul on Vidal off the ball. Pirlo then had a free-kick from a tight angle saved by Berisha.

Lazio searched for an equaliser but they failed to put Storari under serious pressure. Tevez could have made it 3-1 but his long-range effort missed the target.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Matri winner in extra time lifts Juventus
to 10th Coppa Italia title

May 20, 2014

Substitute Alessandro Matri netted an extra-time winner as Juventus defeated Lazio 2-1 in the Coppa Italia final in Rome on Wednesday night to keep their hopes of a historic treble alive.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, acting as captain on the night, cancelled out Lazio skipper Stefan Radu's opener in the 11th minute.

Both sides had chances to win the game in normal time but could not find the finishing touch.

Matri came to the rescue seven minutes into the first half of extra-time when he struck the ball from 10 yards to beat Lazio goalkeeper Etrit Berisha and hand the Serie A champions their 10th Italian Cup and first in 20 years.

Without suspended striker Alvaro Morata, whose goals against Real Madrid lifted Juve into the Champions League final on June 6, coach Massimiliano Allegri fielded Fernando Llorente alongside Serie A's top scorer Carlos Tevez in attack.

Lazio got off to a great start and went in front when Radu headed Danilo Cataldi's free-kick past Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari.

Juve pulled level soon after. Andrea Pirlo's free-kick was knocked down by Patrice Evra, leaving Chiellini to smash the ball from six yards and beat Berisha.

In the 25th minute, Llorente headed Evra's cross over the bar.

Two minutes later and a fast counter-attack by Lazio saw Felipe Anderson sent Cataldi through on goal but his effort lacked pace and did not trouble Storari.

Before the interval, Marco Parolo's stinging drive from 25 yards went wide of the far post.

One minute after the re-start, Berisha had to come off his line to clear a dangerous ball with Llorente ready to pounce.

In the 55th minute, Tevez fed Paul Pogba in the box and the Frenchman's goal-bound attempt was blocked by a defender.

Lazio struggled to break Juve's defence and were limited to shooting from outside of the area.

Before the hour, Parolo drilled a right-footed strike that went over the bar while, minutes later, Gentiletti's powerful free-kick found the stands.

Lazio pushed forward more aggressively and came close to scoring before the end of regulation.

In the 84th minute, Lazio substitute Filip Djordjevic had a great opportunity but failed to beat Storari in a one-on-one, with his shot kept out by the keeper.

Three minutes later and Matri had a goal disallowed for offside.

Lazio could not believe their luck once play resumed when Djordjevic's left-footed strike beat Storari but hit both posts.

Juve then found the winner. Matri pounced on a loose ball in Lazio's area and slotted home from 10 yards to beat Berisha.

Lazio could not find a way through as Juve held on for victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Alessandro Matri strike in extra time
wins Coppa Italia for Juventus

May 20, 2014

Juventus have defeated Lazio 2-1 after extra time in the Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico to remain firmly on course to claiming a first ever treble.

The Bianconeri, who last lifted this trophy 20 years ago, now head into next month's Champions League final against Barcelona with a domestic league and cup double under their belts.

Alessandro Matri's goal in extra time proved to be the difference between the two sides, on the back of a tightly-contested clash in the Italian capital.

The much-anticipated contest got off to an explosive start, as Stefan Radu beat his man to guide Danilo Cataldi's free kick beyond Marco Storari inside the opening four minutes.

It did not take long for the Old Lady to level things up through a set piece of their own, though, with Giorgio Chiellini turning Andrea Pirlo's perfectly lofted cross into the back of the net, after Patrice Evra headed it into his path just a few yards out.

Both sides continued to threaten at both ends without either keeper truly being troubled, until some sloppy play by Paul Pogba shortly after the half-hour mark allowed Marco Parolo a free shot, which flashed wide of the target.

Lazio almost saw their good work come unstuck in the latter stages of the opening 45 minutes when Etrit Berisha failed to clear his lines and allowed Carlos Tevez to close him down, but thankfully for the Biancocelesti stopper, the ball rebounded off the striker and to relative safety.

The opening stages of the second half saw the contest become a little more stretched, which Pogba almost capitalised on when heading wide a decent back-post chance.

Some poor finishing ultimately cost both sides as the hour-mark approached; Parolo dragging a shot wide for the six-time winners soon after that Pogba miss up the other end.

Juventus continued to look strong when pushing forward through Tevez and strike partner Fernando Llorente, however, with the latter very nearly working away some space to get in a shot when well placed, only for the Lazio defence to quickly crowd him out.

Filip Djordjevic was introduced by Stefano Pioli for the closing stages of normal time and, with the teams apparently deadlocked and unable to find a way through, the substitute had a great chance to add a third goal of the contest, which he struck straight at stand-in stopper Storari.

There was more drama to come late on when Matri had his goal ruled out for offside, despite replays seemingly showing that he was in fact stood in a legal position when striking Pirlo's pass.

That signalled a further period of 30 minutes extra time, and it was Matri who was in the thick of the action once again, this time slotting home a rebound after Tevez had been denied.

Juve's goal came shortly after Lazio had struck the post through Parolo, but the 2013 winners could not muster one final charge to rescue themselves as Juve's treble dream rolled on in Rome.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Chiellini: 'Juve wanted the Coppa'

May 20, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini said Juventus “really wanted this trophy” after winning the Coppa Italia in extra time against Lazio.

The Bianconeri had gone behind to an early Stefan Radu goal, but Chiellini equalised and Alessandro Matri secured the 2-1 victory.

“We put in a great performance and knew it would be difficult, as Lazio are in good shape and caused us problems,” the defender told Rai Sport.

“We did well to never give in, remain united and fight for every ball, then we have players who can change a game.

“Juventus hadn’t won the Coppa Italia for 20 years, we really wanted this trophy and now will enjoy it to the full.

“This group motivates itself, we help each other out to be at our best, find new motivation and improve from game to game.”

Chiellini was asked whether this had provided good practice for the Champions League Final against Barcelona on June 6.

“Lazio trained us well! They made us run hard and played well. Berlin is a way off, now we deserve to enjoy this Coppa Italia with our fans all over the country.”

Juve have registered the Double of Scudetto and Coppa Italia, so the Treble is still possible in Berlin.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: 'Now for the Treble'

May 20, 2014

Max Allegri complimented Lazio for a game “worthy of a Final” and said Juventus will “try to win the Treble.”

Not only had the Bianconeri not won the Coppa Italia since 1995, that was also the last time they got the Double of Scudetto and Cup under Marcello Lippi.

“Lazio had a great game, it was worthy of a Final and we knew this would be different from in Serie A,” Allegri told Rai Sport after a 2-1 victory in extra time.

“We did well, they did well, they were unlucky hitting the woodwork twice in the same move and we were fortunate on our goal.

“Football is made of incidents. Before their upright we had two or three favourable situations we didn’t make the most of.

“They were very aggressive in the first half, while we did better after the break and should’ve been sharper, as two or three times we delayed the pass when attacking the line.

“I have to say that it wasn’t easy for the lads to win the Scudetto and Coppa Italia. Now we’ll try to win the third.”

Juve go into the Champions League Final against Barcelona on June 6.

“It is not easy to play in three tournaments all the way through a season. Now we will try to nourish this dream and turn it into reality.”

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Chiellini: Coppa Italia Victory
Is A Milestone For Juventus

May 20, 2014

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini hailed his side’s achievement after they won the Coppa Italia final 2-1 against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

The centre-back scored the equalizer for his side in the 11th minute to cancel out Stefan Radu’s fourth minute header, before substitute Alessandro Matri netted home the winning goal in extra time.

“Today we played a great game, and we knew it was going to be hard,” said the 30-year-old to Rai Sport.

” We were always together and we fought together.”

Chiellini termed the win as a ‘historic milestone’ as the Old Lady have got their hands on the Coppa Italia trophy after 20 years, having previously emerged winners in the 1994-1995 season.

“We have reached a historic milestone,” he continued. “We have missed this cup a lot and now we are going to enjoy [winning] it.”

The Italian was also quick to praise his opponents, singling out Antonio Candreva and Felipe Anderson.

“Candreva and Felipe were great tonight,” he said.

“Berlin? Now we want to enjoy the cup and celebrate with our fans.”

With the domestic double now complete, Juventus will be looking to seal a historic treble when they face Barcelona in the final of the Champions League on June 6.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juve Win Record 10th Coppa Italia

May 20, 2014

It had been 20 years since Juventus last won a Coppa Italia title, but that drought finally came to an end Wednesday as the Serie A champs defeated Lazio 2-1 in a competitive final at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Alessandro Matri's 97th-minute goal in extra time established Juventus as the most successful squad in Coppa Italia history, according to Squawka Football:

Squawka Football ✔@Squawka
Juventus win the Coppa Italia for the first time since 1995 and their 10th in total, more than any other side.

Juve now have an opportunity to make history by taking the treble with a win over FC Barcelona in the Champions League final, while Lazio were denied their second Coppa Italia championship in three years.

The match started off in spectacular fashion as Lazio jumped out to an early lead by virtue of a goal from defender Stefan Radu in the fourth minute.

It was a surprising tally for the 28-year-old Romanian, to say the least, as he hadn't scored a goal in 24 Serie A contests prior to his marker Wednesday. His skill was on full display, though, as a pinpoint header beat Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari high and to the right.

According to Forza Italian Football on Twitter, Radu's goal was the quickest in a Coppa Italia final in six years:

ForzaItalianFootball @SerieAFFC
Radu's goal was the fasted in the #CoppaItaliaFinal since Zarate in 2009, also for #Lazio

Unfortunately for the Biancocelesti, their lead was short-lived as the Vecchia Signora answered with a defender goal of their own seven minutes later. Giorgio Chiellini made a diving acrobatic move toward a loose ball in the box and managed to fire it past Etrit Berisha to even the score at 1-1.

Chiellini was an equally unexpected scorer as Radu, which prompted Paolo Bandini of the Guardian to highlight many of the talented goalscorers who were far more likely candidates to find the back of the net:

Paolo Bandini @Paolo_Bandini
Tevez, Klose, Felipe Anderson and Pogba all on the same pitch. So of course, 2 goals in 10 mins scored by Radu and Chiellini

Per Sky Sports Statto, both Juventus and Lazio are high-quality attacking teams, yet they each received goals from players who contributed very little in that regard during the season:

Sky Sports Statto ✔@SkySportsStatto
Juventus & Lazio had scored 178 goals between them this season - none were from tonight's Cup Final scorers Radu & Chiellini

With that said, Chiellini has been something of a thorn in Lazio's side over the years, so perhaps his score shouldn't have come as a huge surprise.

According to WhoScored.com, Chiellini beats the 'keeper against the Biancazzurri with more regularity than he does against any other club:

WhoScored.com ✔@WhoScored
Giorgio Chiellini: Has now scored more goals against Lazio (5) than he has against any other team

Following the initial surge, there weren't many quality opportunities for the remainder of the opening half. They entered the locker room knotted at 1-1, but things seemed to be trending in Juventus' favor.

As beIN Sports' Tancredi Palmeri noted, Lazio went into a defensive shell of sorts after allowing Chiellini to score, which put the Bianconeri in an advantageous position:

Tancredi Palmeri @tancredipalmeri
Juventus-Lazio 1-1 HT. A thrilling start followed by a fearful second part, JUV slowly bringing high the pressure, LAZ dangerously waiting

The break seemed to rejuvenate Lazio, as they were certainly the more potent side for the bulk of the second half. Even so, neither they nor Juventus could find a way to score a decisive second goal in regular time.

While the Champions League finalists appeared to take a 2-1 lead in the 87th minute when substitute Matri scored, the official waved it off with an offside call.

It was an extremely close play, but Matri appeared to be onside based on the instant replay. Fox Soccer was among those who considered it to be a controversial flag:

FOX Soccer ✔@FOXSoccer
Goal for Juventus waved off! Matri puts the ball in the net but the linesman rules it out. Questionable decision...

That would prove to be the best opportunity for either team for the remainder of the opening 90 minutes, and the match was ultimately forced to go to extra time.

Palmeri believed things were trending in Juventus' direction during the latter stages of the second half after Lazio carried the play for a long stretch:

Tancredi Palmeri @tancredipalmeri
Juventus-Lazio 1-1 FT. Extra-times could be the sentence for LAZ,running out of gas after decent 2nd H. JUV pushing with good changes

Even so, forward Filip Djordjevic, who entered the game in the 83rd minute for Miroslav Klose, very nearly put Lazio ahead in the 95th minute, but his shot remarkably hit both posts without crossing the goal line.

That near miss proved to be costly, as two minutes later, Matri gained retribution for his previously disallowed goal by beating Berisha with a low shot to make it 2-1 in favor of Juve.

Matri's marker proved to be the goal that would decide the Coppa Italia, as Lazio were unable to equalise after 97 minutes of being either tied or ahead.

Juventus' win signals their return to prominence in the Coppa Italia, but it also sets the stage for something far more grand. They now have a great deal of momentum heading toward their highly anticipated Champions League final clash with Barca.

Beating the Spanish juggernaut will be no easy feat, but if they can pull it off, they will join Internazionale as the only Italian clubs to win the European treble.

The Coppa Italia has been placed on the backburner at times for Juventus over the years, but with such a significant accomplishment hanging in the balance, they rose to the occasion.


Key Player Grades

Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus): A

Chiellini has been one of Lazio's toughest opponents for quite some time, and he proved that once again in the Coppa Italia as he netted a beautiful goal in the 11th minute. The technically sound defender also managed to stand firm against a Lazio attack that was particularly dangerous in the second half of play.


Paul Pogba (Juventus): C-

Juventus entered the Coppa Italia as a heavy favorite against Lazio due largely to their midfield advantage. With Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal all in the lineup, Le Zebre should have been able to control the pace throughout. That wasn't the case, though, as Pogba was never in rhythm and was unable to do anything with the scoring opportunities he was afforded.


Stefan Radu (Lazio): A

Prior to departing the game in favor of Mauricio in the 71st minute, Radu was arguably the best player on the entire pitch. In addition to scoring early in the match for Lazio, he played a tidy defensive contest that helped hold dangerous Juventus midfielders such as Pogba, Pirlo and Vidal in check.


Miroslav Klose (Lazio): C+

While Miroslav Klose should have been Lazio's biggest offensive threat Wednesday, the 36-year-old veteran played his age. He did well in terms of winning headers, which keeps his grade from being significantly lower, but his inability to put even a single shot on frame is a big reason why Juventus was able to come out on top.


Post-Match Reaction

Following such a tightly contested match, it comes as no surprise that the losing manager feels as though bounces played a role in his squad's defeat.

According to Football Italia, Lazio manager Stefano Pioli lamented the fact that an extra-time shot from Djordjevic hit the post twice without going in:

footballitalia @footballitalia
Stefano Pioli: #Lazio “didn’t have luck” in #CoppaItaliaFinal defeat to #Juventus after hitting both posts in one go

It was undoubtedly an unfortunate moment for Lazio; however, their inability to subsequently keep Juventus off the scoreboard is what ultimately did them in.

On the other side of the ledger, Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri was extremely complimentary of Lazio and their performance. Per Rai Sport (h/t Football Italia), Allegri acknowledged that luck came into play as well:

Lazio had a great game, it was worthy of a final and we knew this would be different from in Serie A. ... We did well, they did well, they were unlucky hitting the woodwork twice in the same move and we were fortunate on our goal. ... Football is made of incidents. Before their upright we had two or three favorable situations we didn't make the most of.

Allegri also verbalized the pride he had in his team for managing to prevail under such tough circumstances, according to Juventus' official Twitter account:

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "My players are extraordinary. Going all the way in three competitions isn't easy. We put in a great display tonight."

Chiellini agreed with Allegri's statement and added that he wasn't ready to look ahead to the Champions League in the wake of such a big win:

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@chiellini: "We put in a great performance against a team who caused us problems. We fought and stuck together."

Wednesday's match was much tighter than most probably anticipated based on Juventus' run through the Champions League. It wasn't an easy win by any means, and it is clear that everyone involved on the Juve side is grateful they were able to persevere.

They'll need to channel that mettle in order to beat a team of Barcelona's caliber next month as well. While that challenge may seem nearly impossible to some, Juventus have proven their ability to perform under pressure on the big stage.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Matri: 'Juve subs decisive'

May 20, 2014

Alessandro Matri said Juventus substitutes are “always ready” after coming off the bench to secure the Coppa Italia.

The striker netted in extra time for a 2-1 victory over Lazio, their first edition of the tournament for 20 years.

“The Filip Djordjevic double post did feel like a sign, we did well to believe and it is a great victory to bring home the 10th Cup.

“Obviously there is also great personal joy for scoring the decisive goal,” Matri told Rai Sport.

“The characteristics of this team is that everyone has to be ready, even if they play five or 10 minutes.

“This trophy was deserved for the whole squad that worked so hard to get here. Now we can prepare for the next challenge.

“The Coach knows how to press the right buttons and the motivation comes by itself.”

Juve can win the Treble against Barcelona in the Champions League Final on June 6.

“We know that we are facing a very strong side in Barcelona, but we are also aware of our own strengths and will try to win.”

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus show off depth as
treble dream moves closer

The Bianconeri won a 10th Coppa Italia crown, and they have more
than just their much-praised first XI to thank for their success.

May 20, 2014

By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

Two down, the big one to go.

Juventus are on the verge of a historic treble after collecting the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, with Alessandro Matri ensuring that the entire Bianconeri squad will receive their fair share of the limelight if they do go on to beat Barcelona in the Champions League final.

The 2-1 success over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico was a victory for Massimiliano Allegri’s approach to the task of making Juve competitive on all fronts. Whereas his predecessor Antonio Conte was renowned for sending out his first XI as often as possible regardless of the scenario, Allegri has been more conservative but more trusting of his players.

He has afforded Roberto Pereyra plenty of playing time, has given the likes of Simone Padoin and Stefano Sturaro a fair share of starts. He has had no quarms about resting his main men when the time has been right. On top of that, he has gladly switched formations to suit the demands of the occasion and to benefit those he has inserted into the line-up.

Even ahead of the Coppa Italia final there were questions asked of his decision to start Marco Storari rather than Gianluigi Buffon despite the former Catania and Milan goalkeeper having started every game in the competition this season. Although Storari was beaten in the fourth minute by a scuffed header by Stefan Radu, he led from the back superbly throughout.

Looking at the shape of the Bianconeri backline, you would have been forgiven for thinking Buffon – one of the world’s greatest ever organisers – was the man donning the gloves. And when he was just about beaten soon after extra-time had begun, Storari had covered a Filip Djordjevic effort which hit both posts and cannoned back into play.

Moments later, Matri fired home the decisive goal. It was only his second strike since returning to the club to become the fourth-choice front man following the departure to Toronto of Sebastian Giovinco. This was a game which reminded the rest of Italy that Juventus don’t just have the best team, they have the best squad.

Their reserves have what it takes to contribute in the big games too, with the losses of Claudio Marchisio and Alvaro Morata to suspension having no lasting effect thanks to the significant strength in depth. Much is said of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez but the first three have missed decent chunks of the 2014-15 campaign to little consequence.

It became a huge talking point across the country when Juve shirked the custom of donning gold stars on their shirts after securing what they consider to be their 30th Scudetto in 2012. With Wednesday’s result, they will now be invited to wear a silver star to represent their record 10 Coppa Italia triumphs.

There will doubtless now be a conversation within the boardroom at Corso Galileo Ferraris to decide on the politics of taking up the invitation, but if there is a hint of silver added to the black and white next season then it will be a reminder of the depth of quality that the current Juventus squad has available.

When they head to Berlin on June 6, the likes of Storari and Matri are sure to be left on the bench at the very least. But they have helped Juve to continue to taste that winning feeling. They are on a seemingly unstoppable roll.

Bring on Barcelona!

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 2 - Lazio 1: Initial
reaction and random observations

May 20, 2014

Alessandro Matri was around the last time Juventus played in a Coppa Italia final. Of Juve's five strikers on the roster in the 2011-12 season, he was the only one not to have appeared in the final three years ago, one that his team lost to Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Same stadium. Different opponent. Different outcome. Much different outcome.

Matri's extra-time goal gave Juventus and 2-1 win over Lazio in extra time and delivered its long-desired and long-awaited 10th Coppa Italia title on Wednesday night. Yes, Matri, the same one Juventus sold to Milan two summers ago. The same Matri that Juventus brought back in the winter transfer window because somebody needed to fill the shoes — not literally, of course, because those things are probably tiny — of Sebastian GIovinco departing for Major League Soccer.

And the same Matri who had what looked to be the go-ahead goal called offside — rightly or wrongly — just a short time before he found the back of the net in extra time.

OptaPaolo ✔@OptaPaolo
2 - Alessandro Matri has scored in both his two games for Juventus in this #CoppaItalia (4 shots, 2 goals). Present.

That's rather efficient, don't you think?

Matri proved to be the hero on a night where Juventus were far from their best. In a way, it was like Juve's win over Inter in the Derby d'Italia a few days before — it wasn't pretty or anything close to it, but they just seemed to find a solution after falling behind extremely early in the game.

So, basically, Lazio scored too early? Well, maybe.

Who would have guessed Giorgio Chiellini would score that kind of goal to even the score at 1-1 just minutes after Lazio took the lead? I mean, Chiellini doing that ... not exactly something we see every day. Or every month. Or every year. for that matter. It was one of the most un-Chiellini-like goals he has scored in his career.

It helped Juventus have the chance to win their 10th Coppa Italia. And Matri clinched the game, the domestic double this season and the silver star that comes along with la Decima.

Just like we thought would happen in mid-July, right? (Right.)


Random thoughts and observations

Juventus won the Coppa Italia final without two of their best and most in-form players, Claudio Marchisio and Álvaro Morata. Squad depth is a beautiful thing, man.

Will Juventus have any room on their jerseys next season? There are about to be patches and badges galore. Club badge, Scudetto badge, Coppa Italia badge, silver star, maybe some gold stars and the sponsorship logo across the middle of the jersey itself. That's just amazing. And who knows, there could be more to come if everything goes right in a couple of weeks.

Juventus got the winning goal from a guy who is on loan from Milan. Thanks, Silvio.

Juventus won the club's first Coppa Italia in 20 years thanks in large part to a guy who used to manage at Milan. Thanks, Silvio.

Matri's goal in the second half wasn't offside. There's my hot take of the day.

Arturo Vidal had nine — count 'em NINE — tackles against Lazio. The next closest Juventus player? Chiellini, who had all of two tackles. Arturo Vidal gonna Arturo Vidal simply because he's a tank who never stops running all over the field.

The BBC defensive trident of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Chiellini combined to have 28 clearances on Wednesday night. That's why Max Allegri went with a 3-5-2. It's never a bad thing to have those three guys playing at the same time when you're trying to keep a team from scoring more than one goal and/or defending a lead.

Roberto Pereyra is going to have his contract bought in full by Juventus this summer. No. this isn't some kind of inside information. It's simply common logic. Why? Because Pereyra showed once again why he's such a valuable player to have in the squad — no matter if it's in the starting lineup or coming off the bench. Along with Matri, Pereyra made a huge impact off the bench. He won't have the stats or goals to show it like Matri, but Pereyra was a big-time injection of energy when Juventus needed it.

Carlos Tévez didn't have a great game, but he sure is great to watch no matter what. He was flying around the field like Vidal until the final whistle. What amazing stamina you must have to play like that for 120 minutes.

Another solid game from Patrice Evra. I'll just keep saying this because he deserves it.

The 20-year wait is over. Coppa Italia No. 10 is finally heading back to Turin. What a season it has been. And guess what? It's not over yet. Almost, but there's one big prize still to play for.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus secure first Coppa Italia in
20 years as treble anticipation grows

May 20, 2014

Three quick thoughts from Juventus' 2-1 extra-time win over Lazio in the Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night.


1. Allegri has tough decisions ahead of Champions League final

With just two and a half weeks to go to the definitive moment of Juventus' season, Wednesday night's Coppa Italia final against Lazio was an opportunity for manager Massimiliano Allegri to take a closer look at the players he intends to send into action in Berlin.

Allegri does not have all that many doubts for the Champions League final against Barcelona and, barring any late injuries, he only really has two or a maximum of three questions to answer.

If the Coppa Italia final was being treated by Allegri as a dress rehearsal, it may just have confused matters a little for him.

A 3-5-2 formation, with Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci on defence, is the approach that is speculated to be Allegri's answer in keeping forwards Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar out of mischief, if they are to return triumphant from the German capital.

The fact Allegri therefore picked a three-man defence in the Italian capital on Wednesday night may be suggestive. Barzagli has been back from a long-term injury absence for just a month, and the more opportunities Allegri can give him to consolidate his understanding with Chiellini and Bonucci the better, to judge if that can be a valid option in Berlin.

It is clear that Gianluigi Buffon will return in goal for Juve's Coppa Italia custodian Marco Storari, and both Alvaro Morata and Claudio Marchisio will be available having missed this final due to suspension.

Fitting all of Juventus' stars may not be so easy, however. Paul Pogba was able to get some more match minutes in his legs, but he was unable to make an impression in the Coppa Italia final. Andrea Pirlo, meanwhile, did manage to put in one of his most impressive shifts in recent weeks, not that leaving him out in Berlin was ever going to be an option anyway.

Marchisio may therefore earn the nod over Pogba, since he also provides a little more security defensively than an at times erratic Pogba.

Which leads into the final choice, one which was further complicated on Wednesday night by a certain Alessandro Matri. His cup-winning goal was not the only argument he provided for a little more consideration in June. Although he is unlikely to snatch a starting XI berth from either Morata (the favourite), Carlos Tevez or Fernando Llorente, he could have edged up the pecking order at forward with his appearance in Rome.

The trump card the former Genoa forward may hold is that he has appeared so fleetingly this season that he arguably has the freshest legs of Allegri's four forwards. When cramp and tiredness could be an issue, Matri might be there to crown Juve's season.

He did that effectively on Wednesday night, winning Juve the Coppa Italia and keeping the Bianconeri on course for a treble.

One thing perhaps Allegri might have preferred from his side's dress rehearsal was not to have an extra half an hour to play. But then with the potential for that also in Berlin, he could deem himself generally satisfied with his team ready to go to Berlin as Italian champions, Coppa Italia winners and ready to make even more history, in another Olympic Stadium.


2. Chiellini finally enjoys Coppa Italia win

It was fitting that the man who was there when Juve were held to a 1-1 draw by Rimini to mark the start of the 2006-07 Serie B season was leading the Bianconeri out onto the field at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night. And it was equally fitting that it was he, Giorgio Chiellini, who netted the goal that got Juve back on terms in the Coppa Italia final.

"I've been at Juve for 10 years and played in just one Cup final, and I still haven't digested the fact we lost that," Chiellini said on the eve of Wednesday's showpiece.

It was not the only moment of indigestion Chiellini has had since becoming a Juve player a decade ago, even if there have been many more satiating moments in recent years.

"When you're not winning, you can't quite imagine what these feelings of satisfaction must be like, but when you do feel it, then it sticks with you and you want it at all costs," Chiellini said.

It is a taste he and his Juve teammates have acquired and grown to love, and Wednesday night's Coppa Italia victory, which completed a domestic league and cup double, was further proof of their quenchless desire for trophies.

So does Juve's dominance make Italian football boring? "As far as I'm concerned, it's impossible for something so beautiful to become boring," Chiellini added. "We've been winning in Italy for four years, but personally I had been here for six without winning anything.

"The important thing is we never lose our desire to win and celebrate, and that has allowed us to reach all of these objectives in these years. I hope this continues for a long time to come, but it's going to get increasingly difficult."

While he was able to hang the eighth significant medal around his neck on Wednesday night, the true test of his and Juve's yearning for glory comes on June 6. When they meet Barcelona in the Champions League final in Berlin, it will be the culmination of a nine-year rise from Serie B to the zenith of the European game.

"It's certainly something to be proud about, reaching the final of the Champions League after all that I've been through with Juventus," Chiellini said. "I was just talking about it with Gigi [buffon] and Claudio [Marchisio], how much we've been through together and how it's now only right that we get to enjoy a game like this.

"I can still remember playing at Serie B clubs Rimini, Frosinone, Crotone, and now to be able to win the Champions League is really stimulating. We've done a good job in lifting ourselves these years and never sitting back and settling for what we've already won. That has been the greatest strength of this side over the years."

They underlined it once again on Wednesday by clinching their 10th Coppa Italia title and second trophy of the season. All that remains is for them to complete the treble, and then they can start looking forward to facing newly-promoted Frosinone again next season.


3. Lazio's real focus is on Champions League qualification

With all due respect to the Coppa Italia, Lazio's final was not on Wednesday night in Rome, but next Monday.

Although a trophy was at stake at the Stadio Olimpico, and it would have been manager Stefano Pioli's first, given the option between beating Juve or conquering city rivals Roma in one of the most important Eternal City derbies on record this coming Monday, the choice would have been rather simple.

For all the riches and prestige in winning the Coppa Italia for what would have been a seventh time, that could never have competed with what a season of Champions League football could bring. Lazio were already assured of a place in the Europa League next season so not even that was a significant incentive. A place in that competition is not what Pioli's men particularly want. The Champions League is their target.

The 2015-16 edition marks the beginning of a new three-year cycle in which UEFA's chief club competition becomes more lucrative than ever. A place in the group stage is a guarantee of more revenue than winning the Coppa Italia for each of the next 20 years could provide.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Coppa Italia Player Ratings:
Juventus 2-1 Lazio

May 20, 2014

Juventus won a hard-fought Coppa Italia final as they defeated Lazio 2-1 [AET] at the Stadio Olimpico.

The victors actually conceded first when Stefan Radu gave his side an early lead in the fourth minute although Giorgio Chiellini swiftly equalised only six minutes later.

Neither side were able to break the deadlock during normal time and it was substitute Alessandro Matri who eventually grabbed the winner in the 97th minute.

 

Juventus

Marco Storari – 6 – Adequate - The stand-in goalkeeper was let down by static marking for Radu’s opener as he could do nothing to keep out what was a bullet header. As the game progressed he was rarely troubled thanks to the defensive wall in front of him but he performed well when called into action.

Andrea Barzagli – 6.5 – Rock - A rock-solid presence at the back for the Bianconeri with no Lazio player ever capable of exploiting the space in behind his vast frame. Always there to correct any mistakes from his team-mates and his simplicity in possession encouraged the defence to remain calm throughout.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 – Solid - A key member of the defensive trio that is currently keeping out some of the best strikers across the planet. Once again Bonucci was at the forefront as he continuously knocked away every long-ball that came his way.

Giorgio Chiellini – 7 – Brilliant - The powerful, no-nonsense central defender was out of defensive sorts during the opening stages when he produced a magnificent flick to equalise for the Bianconeri in the tenth minute before returning to his usual self and bossing the opposition attack. Crown in the defensive jewel.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6.5 – Efficient - The efficient defender dealt very well with the threat of Felipe Anderson during the first half as he focused primarily on his defensive duties, rather than rampaging forwards. Eventually taken off in the 115th minute.

Arturo Vidal – 6.5 – Combative - The Chilean brought the necessary pace and energy to the Juve midfield as he strode from box-to-box forever hassling the opposition. A combative performance and kept going until the final whistle.

Andrea Pirlo – 6.5 – Metronome - Never one to shirk a cup-final, Pirlo was his composed self once again as he patrolled the center ground of the Stadio Olimpico. His passing was accurate as always and he kept his side ticking over with intricate and intelligent passes.

Paul Pogba – 5.5 – Underwhelming - The coveted 22-year-old began the match in surprisingly slow fashion but soon obtained a firm grip on the midfield as he became more involved. However, following the re-start his lack of match fitness became clear and he cut a frustrated figure as he was taken off in the 78th minute.

Patrice Evra – 6.5 – Reliable - The experienced Frenchman was an extremely reliable presence down the left-hand flank and barely put a foot-wrong for the entire 120 minutes.

Fernando Llorente – 5 – Disappointing - A difficult evening for the Spanish front-man as he found it hard to escape his marker and make an impact. He worked hard but was justifiably taken off in the second half after a lacklustre display.

Carlos Tevez – 7 – Tireless - The Argentine’s work rate was admirable once again for the Old Lady as he probed and pestered the opposition throughout. He came close on several occasions thanks to his ambitious style and he led the Juventus line remarkably well.


Substitutes

Roberto Pereyra – 6 – Vibrant - A useful addition to the tired legs of the Juventus side and worked well once he arrived on the field.

Alessandro Matri – 7 – Winner - The 30-year-old arrived in place of the weary Llorente towards the end of the second half and proved to be a superb replacement. Not only did he hold the ball up well and provide his side with a decent outlet but he scored the winning goal that set his side on the way to the treble.

Simone Padoin – N/A


 

Lazio

Etrit Berisha – 5 – Poor - The Albanian did not have his most impressive evening in a Lazio shirt and seemed to lack the necessary confidence. He should really have done better for Matri’s winner when he was beaten all too easily by a low strike that lacked any real pace.

Stefan de Vrij – 5.5 – Unfortunate - The Dutchman dealt well with the colossal frontman Fernando Llorente as he used his imposing and intelligent positioning to keep him well out of the game throughout. His tired legs eventually cost them as they conceded in extra time.

Santiago Gentiletti – 5 – Lacking - Lacked influence and bravery in the first half as Tevez gave him the run around as well as losing his marker for the Juventus equaliser. He grew as the game went on but still struggled whenever he was faced square on with a Juventus attacker.

Stefan Radu – 6.5 – Intense - The Lazio captain sprang his side into an early lead with a superb header in the fourth minute and continued to lead from the front during their high intensity first half. Eventually forced off in the 71st minute due to injury.

Dusan Basta – 6 – Non-stop - A lively performance from Basta who seemed full of running well into the depths of extra-time. Never stopped trying defensively and was also a presence when going forwards.

Marco Parolo – 5.5 – Laboured - The Argentine threatened from long-range on several occasions during the first half, including a superb half-volley that went only inches wide. His high intensity pressing was extremely useful but the 30-year-old simply could not keep it up as the game progressed.

Danilo Cataldi – 5.5 – Mature - The 20-year-old often struggled with the Juventus midfield trio in the middle of the park, although his work-rate cannot be faulted and he displayed great maturity despite his youth.

Senad Lulic – 5 – Basic - The Bosnian struggled with the pace of the match as his technical shortcomings were evident. Rarely helped the Biancocelesti when going forwards and his crossing was especially poor.

Andrea Candreva – 6 – Fighter - Despite his free-kick attempts lacking any danger in the slightest, Candreva became a real threat during the second half. Shown great pace and skill in the 64th minute when he drove at the Juve defence for the first time, forcing a booking and a set-piece. A hard-fought display.

Miroslav Klose – 5 – Weary - Lacked the intelligent movement that has come to encapsulate his game therefore couldn’t escape from the touch-tight Juventus defence. Looked weary and slow in comparison to Tevez and was justifiably taken off in 82nd minute.

Felipe Anderson – 6 – Resolute - A relatively quiet first half for the Brazilian but he still managed to display his essence of skill and creativity when he picked up the ball in his own half and glided effortlessly deep into the Juve half with the ball seemingly stuck to his foot. Kept going until the very end and put in a resolute performance.


Substitutes

Filip Djordjevic – 6 – Woodwork - Was provided with a fantastic chance to take the lead within seconds of his arrival but he missed a wonderful one-on-one chance, although he very nearly made amends in the opening stages of extra time when he fired a curling shot that somehow managed to hit both posts without crossing the line.

Mauricio – 5 – Poor - Woeful defending for the winning goal as he all too easily allowed for Matri the time and space to shoot.

Keita Balde- N/A

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: Juventus Did Everything They
Could Against A Great Lazio

May 20, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has praised his players after they managed to defeat Lazio in the Coppa Italia Final.

The Bianconeri won 2-1 against the Biancocelesti in extra time and the 47-year-old was impressed with his team’s performance as the game progressed.

“Lazio have played a great game, showing that they are in excellent form,” Allegri told Rai Sport.

“We were good [but] they were unlucky when they hit both posts.

“They were very aggressive in the first half then they dropped off. We had to do a bit better [and] be more polished. The game was in the balance and the guys did well.

“We did better in the second half but the game was balanced, we did everything possible against an excellent Lazio.”

Juventus have now sealed the Serie A title as well as adding the Coppa Italia trophy to their cabinet this season and the next target for the Bianconeri is Champions League Final against Barcelona on June 6.

“I’m happy about what the guys have been done so far [this season]and we’ll see if we can now to win the third trophy [the Champions League],” Allegri concluded.

“Now we have a little time to prepare the final with Barcelona [on June 6].”

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Matri: I’m Always Ready To Help
Juventus In Any Way I Can

May 20, 2014

Juventus striker Alessandro Matri insists he is always ready to come to the help of his side after entering as a substitute in the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, before scoring the winner in extra time.

The 30-year-old also looked ahead to the Champions League final against Barcelona and feels the cup win was evidence of the importance of Juve’s squad players.

“All of us are always ready to help the team, even if we only play for 5 or 10 minutes,” said Matri to Rai Sport after the cup final win.

“This win is a prize for the entire squad, for the great work we’ve done this season.”

Matri also said that the moment when Filip Djordjevic’s shot hit both posts without going in minutes before Juve’s winning goal was a sign that the trophy was heading to the Bianconeri.

“When the ball hit both posts, it was a sign,” said Matri.

“We did well to believe in ourselves and we managed to achieve a great victory.

“It’s a great satisfaction for us to have won Juve’s 10th Coppa Italia and a personal one for me to have scored the winning goal.”

Matri also looked ahead to the Champions League final against Barcelona.

“We know that Barcelona are extremely strong but we’re strong too,” Matri continued.

“We are motivated and preparing at our highest levels in training.

“Our win to will is great and [Massimiliano] Allegri is pushing the right buttons in training.

“Could I score in the Champions League final? Maybe I could do something, but I don’t want to say too much and jinx it.”

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Chiellini salutes Juventus fight

The Bianconeri were taken to extra time before overcoming
Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday night.

May 21, 2014

Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini highlighted the importance of his team's never-say-die attitude after coming from behind to beat Lazio 2-1 after extra time to win the Coppa Italia for the first time in 20 years.

The Serie A champions went into Wednesday's contest looking to end an unenviable run of losing their only three Coppa finals since their 1995 success and Alessandro Matri's extra-time winner ultimately clinched a record 10th title.

Stefan Radu initially gave Lazio an early lead, but Chiellini pulled Juve level again shortly after and the Bianconeri were clinical when it mattered as Matri netted the winner seven minutes into the additional period, leaving just Barcelona standing in the way of a historic treble.

"We did well to never give in, we remained united and fought for every ball," the defender told Rai Sport. "Then we have players who can change a game.

"This team motivates itself. We help each other out to be at our best, find extra motivation and improve from game to game.

"We had not won the Coppa for 20 years, so we really wanted this trophy and now we will enjoy it to the fullest.

"We put in a great performance and knew it would be difficult, as Lazio are in good shape and they caused us problems.

"They made us run hard and they played well. Berlin [for the Champions League final] is some way off – now we deserve to enjoy this with our fans all over the country."

Juve can complete their treble in a showdown with Barcelona in Berlin on June 6.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-1 Lazio (aet)

May 21, 2014
 

Juventus

30 M. Storari - Got a hand to Radu's opener but couldn't keep it out. Was quick off his line to deny Djordjevic in the second half.

15 A. Barzagli - Had a fairly solid game in defence, barely putting a foot wrong all evening.

19 L. Bonucci - Played a few sloppy passes when put under pressure but kept Klose quiet for much of the match.

3 G. Chiellini - Netted an important equaliser in the 11th minute and stepped up from the back effectively.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Did not have much influence down the right flank until the latter stages, when he proved very positive.

6 P. Pogba - Was a bit overconfident in dangerous areas and ceded possession regularly before replaced.

21 A. Pirlo - Found himself quickly pressed throughout and gave away possession cheaply a number of times. He did play a role in both goals, though.

23 A. Vidal - The Chilean worked hard in midfield, drawing fouls and closing the opposition quickly when not on the ball.

33 P. Evra - The Frenchman assisted the equaliser but offered very little going forward as Basta penned him back.

14 Llorente - The Spaniard tried to make a few runs in behind the defence but they didn't come off, and he spurned the chances that came his way.

10 C. Tévez - Dropped very deep to try and get involved in the game and helped created some of his team's better moments.


Substitutes

37 R. Pereyra - Came on for Pogba in the 78th minute and worked exceptionally hard to help his team.

32 Alessandro Matri - Replaced Llorente in the 84th minute and netted the winning goal in the first half of extra time.

20 S. Padoin - Brought on for Lichtsteiner in the 115th minute.


 

Lazio

1 E. Berisha - Could do little to keep out Chiellini's effort but should perhaps have saved Matri's winner.

3 S. de Vrij - Read the game well and limited the effectiveness of Juventus' forwards for the evening.

18 S. Gentiletti - Played in the centre of the back three and was composed in possession but gave away too many cheap free-kicks.

26 Ş. Radu - Opened the scoring with a first-half header and had a strong game at the back for his side.

8 D. Basta - The right wing-back played with plenty of energy and gave Evra a torrid evening.

16 M. Parolo - Did plenty of hard work in midfield and was always quick to the ball, also firing a shot narrowly wide in the first half.

32 D. Cataldi - Supplied the assist for the opener with a brilliant free-kick and was very combative in open play.

19 S. Lulić - Provided all the width on the left but lacked quality in his final ball into the box.

87 A. Candreva - Linked the play well and caused problems when drifting inside from the wing.

11 M. Klose - The World Cup winner received very little service on the night and never got the chance to try and worry Storari himself.

7 Felipe Anderson - Regularly drifted into space in the middle but was greedy and ran into dead ends.


Substitutes

33 Mauricio - Came on for Radu in the 71st minute but was too quick to dive into tackles.

9 F. Đorđević - Replaced Klose in the 82nd minute and after wasting a great chance to win it in normal time, rattled both posts in extra time.

14 B. Keita - Brought on for De Vrij for the second half of extra time.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus' win vs. Lazio in Coppa
Italia keeps treble hopes alive

May 21, 2014
 
First they won the Scudetto, then they qualified for the final of the Champions League and now, after waiting 20 years for the honour, Juventus have won the Coppa Italia. The silver star has finally arrived and the Old Lady has become the first Italian team to have won the competition a total of ten times.

Dreams are slowly becoming a reality. The Bianconeri may have been the best team in Italy for quite some time but they haven't managed the domestic double since 1995, when the great Marcello Lippi was in charge. Blessed with balance, fighting power and a touch of luck, Juventus took their chances and held off a brilliantly determined Lazio side to lift yet another trophy. Two down, one to go.

Rather than feel the absence of Claudio Marchisio, Massimiliano Allegri opted to play a 3-5-2 formation in order to enjoy the skills of Andrea Barzagli -- a shape that usually allows for defensive excellence. However, the Biancocelesti immediately focused on exposing the weaknesses within the formation and took Juventus on in midfield, pressing and harrying in order to win back possession as quickly as possible.

The Bianconeri were barely allowed time to breathe let alone execute a strategy as they attempted to overcome the pressure and slow down the pace. Yet before they could even settle, the Aquile took the lead with a set-piece. What an exceptional start for Lazio and their wonderfully astute coach, Stefano Pioli.

Juventus attempted to recover, but it was clear they were feeling overwhelmed. However, Juventus fought on and with another set-piece came a goal. This time it was Giorgio Chiellini, the Italian Champions had equalised.

Despite things being level, Lazio were the better side in the first half. Pioli got his tactics right. There was great synchronicity between their players while the freedom afforded to their two wizards, Antonio Candreva and Felipe Anderson, caused Juventus all sorts of trouble, especially on the wings.

It was a game in which the Old Lady truly realised the worth of both Marchisio and Alvaro Morata. The battle between the two sides was in midfield and had the midfielder been available, Allegri would have accommodated him and permitted his men to have a greater hold in the area. Instead, Juve were overwhelmed and Arturo Vidal was forced to play the role of two men as he ran across the pitch to close down his opponents and press as intensely as the opponent.

As for Morata, he boasts a different range of skills that help to make the team complete. Without his acceleration, pace and technical ability, Juventus looked somewhat ordinary with their attacking movements and easily shut down. Fernando Llorente did a great job in coming back to help in midfield, making interesting runs and holding the ball up, but he is one dimensional and unable to expose the spaces. He may be a fighter but he's simply not lithe enough to be as effective as his fellow countryman.

Interestingly, one midfielder afforded the chance to start, disappointed. Paul Pogba played an average game at best and is struggling to recover his top form after coming back from injury. Out of rhythm and easier to dispossess, he struggled to match his opponents' intensity and made the type of mistakes he is usually keen to avoid.

Despite Juve being well rested and relaxed, their opponents looked the fitter outfit, dominating the duels all over the pitch. The only problem is that despite their fluid movements and great organisation, Lazio lack world class finishing. Every attacking move created ended in disappointment as the players either forced the situation or shot off target. To win matches such as these, they must fill the void up top.

The second half was played at a slower pace and Andrea Pirlo was allowed to demonstrate the impact of his precise angles of play. Juventus had indeed settled in and were now capable of playing to their own rhythm and creating chances, yet neither side could find the goal and the game went into extra time.

Football truly is a game of luck. Filip Djordjevic came on for the Biancocelesti and, at the beginning of extra time, struck the ball in awesome fashion and watched as it bounced off the post twice. Somehow, somewhere, the footballing gods made their voices heard and denied Lazio a goal and perhaps even a win. Instead, one beautiful Pirlo ball found its way to the top for Alessandro Matri to score the winner.

Pioli is right, football is made up of incidents and Lazio's poor luck only served to incentivise the Bianconeri on the pitch. Lady luck was on their side and they were not about to disappoint her. This was not their best game nor was it a demonstration of their exceptional strength. They won the trophy by fighting a difficult fight and overcoming a tactically beautiful side.

This is Juve's year, their chance for glory and it seems everyone believes in their invincibility. As long as the players believe and play accordingly, might they actually have a chance for the treble?

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 2-1 Lazio: Super-sub Alessandro
Matri gives Bianconeri Coppa Italia glory

After 20 years of waiting and two halves of extra time, Juventus managed to win the Coppa Italia
against a spirited Lazio, adding the Silver Star to their kit for the 10th such success.

May 21, 2014
 
I could tell you how nobody believed in Massimiliano Allegri when he was appointed as Antonio Conte’s replacement in the summer and how he, with small but steady steps, successfully steered Juventus on three different fronts towards glory.

I could tell you how he managed to build on the already-great performances of the previous three seasons and transform Juventus into a real Champions League contender. How he kept the players hungry for more success, how he ensured everyone got enough playing time to feel they are part of the Bianconera family, resting at the same time players who needed fresh legs and a sharp mind for other more crucial games.

I could tell you how, after 20 years of waiting, this fantastic team finally secured the Silver Star by becoming the first team in Italy’s history to win 10 Coppas. I could tell you how Alessandro Matri had to be the decisive man in the final, after he re-joined the group in January, proving himself once more as a valuable squad player and a true character loved in the dressing room.

I could tell you how Giorgio Chiellini breaks his nose every 10 games and continues to ravage opposite attacking players, giving his all for the team with that reckless and loony style of his, scoring the odd goal now and then -- the goal that will undoubtedly bring the fierce beast out of him as he bursts into savage celebrations. I could tell how much he deserved to lift that Coppa trophy after all the blood he spilled for Juventus on the pitch.

I could tell you how Andrea Pirlo and Allegri embraced each other in joy after the full time whistle and how such a scene would have been simply impossible in 2011 when Allegri, then manager at Milan, considered Massimo Ambrosini and Mark Van Bommel more suited for the role in front of the defence, forcing the departure of the bearded magician and, subsequently and involuntarily, helping Juventus in building the foundations for a team that would go on and win four consecutive Scudetti.

I could yell, "La Decima! La Decima! La Decima!" at you all night -- metaphorically speaking, this time, otherwise it might just look silly -- but I have to remind you "Andiamo a Berlino! Andiamo a Berlino! Andiamo a Berlino!".

I could tell you all that and many more but it would be pointless.

Superfluous.

In such times, words are useless. Words are not enough to describe how lucky we are for living years of remarkable success and for witnessing history in the making. Andrea Agnelli, Beppe Marotta, Fabio Paratici, Pavel Nedved, everybody involved in the club’s board and every single player who wore the Juventus shirt in the last five years --and whom I will not enumerate here for it will make this post too long -- have made the dreams of every single tifoso Bianconero come true.

For that, and for everything that is yet to come, grazie mille!


MATCH SUMMARY

Stringiamci a coorte
Siam pronti alla morte
Siam pronti alla morte
L'Italia chiamò! Sì!

The intonation of the national anthem before the game sent shivers down my spine -- an electrifying effect.

And if that was electrifying, the goal scored by Lazio captain Stefan Radu in the fourth minute was nothing short of a lighting struck. Paul Pogba conceded a free-kick on Juventus’ left flank some 35 yards out. Danilo Cataldi delivered the ball into the box and Radu rose from between Pirlo and Pogba to direct a splendid header which Marco Storari could only palm into the roof of the net.

However, Lazio’s advantage lasted for a short period as Chiellini equalised in the 11th minute. Pirlo took a free kick from a similar position to Cataldi’s and found Evra at the far post. The Frenchman redirected the ball in front of the goal for Chiellini who acrobatically sent it past a helpless Etrit Berisha, with a would-be overhead kick.

The frantic start did not affect either set of players, as the teams kept up the high tempo. Pressing, fouls and misplaced passes governed the game and Lazio seemed to be the team with the initiative.

Patrice Evra found Fernando Llorente in the box with a good cross in the 25th minute but the Spaniard couldn’t direct his header on target. A minute later, Felipe Anderson was presented with a shooting opportunity just outside Juventus’ box but the Brazilian sent the ball miles over the bar.

Just moments afterwards, Storari was called into action to stop Cataldi’s weak shot after a good quick counter attack from the Biancocelesti.

Just over the half hour mark, Pogba tried to stop a high ball on his chest but involuntarily assisted Marco Parolo at the edge of the area and the Italian midfielder sent a powerful shot that missed the target by a few inches. Nonetheless, the recklessness of Pogba managed to draw an angry reaction from Allegri.

In the 40th minute, Pogba played a ball through for Evra who cut it back first time for Carlos Tévez but the Argentine uncharacteristically skied his shot way over the target from a good position. Five minutes later, Daniele Orsato sent the two teams to the locker rooms for the half-time break, ending a tough first part for Juventus.

The game was a bit cooled down at the start of the second half and it took 10 minutes until Juventus created the first half-decent chance, as Pogba headed a ball over the bar after a cross from Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Leonardo Bonucci stopped a dangerous attacking action of Lazio by bringing down Antonio Candreva in the 64th minute and was shown a yellow card. However, the free-kick came to nothing as Santiago Gentiletti completely missed the target.

Neither of the teams were willing to risk too much and chances were few and far between, with Juventus a bit more active in the centre of the park.

Having just replaced Miroslav Klose, Filip Djordjevic wasted a huge chance for Lazio in the 84th minute when he followed a long ball inside Juventus’ area but his shot was very poor and Storari did well to block the Serbian striker.

With three minutes left to play, Roberto Pereyra dribbled his way inside Lazio’s box but his low cross found nobody in front of the goal. Pirlo got hold of the loose ball and delivered a fantastic ball over the top for Alessandro Matri who scored with his first touch, only to see the referee’s assistant raising the flag for offside – a very close call.

Tévez cut inside from the left flank in the second minute of injury time and sent a ferocious shot but the Argentine couldn’t keep his effort on target. Orsato blew the full-time whistle shortly afterwards and the two teams headed towards extra time.

In the 94th minute, Djordjevic’s thunderous effort from distance beat Storari but hit the right and then the left post before the ball was cleared away.

Just three minutes later, Matri sent the Bianconeri in wild celebrations. Tévez’s initial shot from inside the box was blocked by the defence but the ball bounced back to Matri who beat his man with the first touch and then put his shot past Berisha to give Juventus the lead.

Lazio’s pressure started to mount after the goal and the Bianconeri were forced to defend deep in their half.

In the 110th minute, Tévez found lots of space on the counter but his good run on the left flank came to a halt when Candreva fouled the Argentine just outside the box. Pirlo stepped up to take the free-kick but his effort was punched away by Berisha.

The Biancocelesti did little to create a threat for Storari’s goal in the dying minutes and Juventus went on to win the game, finally being rewarded with their 10th Coppa Italia.


LE PAGELLE

Storari: 6 Got a touch at the goal, but was unable to keep the ball out. Very confident whenever he was called into action

Barzagli: 6.5 Steady as always at the back, containing Anderson on the right and distributing the ball well from the back

Bonucci: 6 Very poor start in the game but managed to get a grip on himself and had a solid second (third and fourth) part

Chiellini: 7.5 Scored a brilliant goal and was very solid at the back, pulling off some great tackles

Lichtsteiner: 5.5 Defended well but his runs forward were cut short because of the danger represented by Anderson

Vidal: 6 Very energetic, but committed fouls often. His presence in midfield focused on the defensive play, bringing very few to the attack

Pirlo: 6.5 Made up for the poor defending at the goal conceded with a good delivery for Chiellini’s strike. Played some great long balls over Lazio’s backline and distributed the ball with ease in midfield

Pogba: 5 Shares the blame with Pirlo for the goal. Inconsistent in midfield, alternating good defending with poor passing game

Evra: 6.5 Great positioning to assist the goal. Equally good presence on the left flank against Candreva throughout the game and also surged forward effectively

Tévez: 7 Missed a huge chance in the first half but his commitment was immense. Often retreated to his own half to defend or help the build-up play

Llorente: 5.5 Barely visible in the first half as the Spaniard found little space between Lazio’s centre backs. Improved in the second part but still managed little


Subs

Pereyra: 6.5 Very lively in the attack after he replaced Pogba in the 78th minute.

Matri: 7.5 SCORED THE BLOODY WINNING GOAL

Padoin: N/A Replaced Lichtsteiner in the 115th minute


Coach

Allegri: 6.5 Was probably surprised to see Lazio pressing so high and playing with such intensity in the first half but managed to regain control of the game after the break. Pereyra and Matri have changed the course of the game after they were brought on, adding to numerous previous occasions when Mister made inspired in-game decisions.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus Win First Coppa Italia In
20 Years Courtesy Late Matri Strike

Juventus won the Coppa Italia for the first time in 20 years thanks to
Alessandro Matri’s extra-time strike which secured a 2-1 victory over Lazio.

May 21, 2014
 
Alessandro Matri came off the bench to hit an extra-time winner as Juventus beat Lazio 2-1 to win the Italian Cup final in Rome on Wednesday.

Juventus’s first Cup triumph since 1995 keeps the Turin giants on track for a treble of trophies in Massimiliano Allegri’s first season at the club.

Juventus secured their fourth consecutive scudetto several weeks ago and face Barcelona in the final of the Champions League in Berlin on June 6.

Juventus were stunned after just four minutes when Stefan Radu rose to beat Marco Storari with a powerful header from a free-kick after Paul Pogba had given away a needless foul on the right flank.

Juve got back on level terms thanks to Giorgio Chiellini’s half-volley in the 10th minute.

The match finished all square after 90 minutes but Matri, back on loan at Juve after being sold to Milan in 2013, made the difference when he latched on to Carlos Tevez’s lay-off inside the area to bundle past Etrit Berisha in the Lazio net.

Juve held on to their lead amid a tense second period of extra-time to send the black and white half of the Stadio Olimpico into raptures as the champions secured their first league and cup double since 1995.

“It’s our first cup trophy in 20 years, so it’s obviously special for us,” said Matri.

Juve now just have to focus on the Champions League final against Barcelona in Berlin on June 6 to complete their season and emulate the treble feats of Inter Milan, in 2010.

“It was a great final,” said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri. “Now we just have to keep our focus until June 6.

“We’ll go to Berlin having won the league and the cup, but Barcelona are in great form, just as we are.”

Allegri was missing midfielder Claudio Marchisio and striker Alvaro Morata through suspension, and was also without number one goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, whose absence was felt almost immediately when Storari struggled to reach Radu’s powerful header from a free-kick on the right.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus Win Record
Tenth Coppa Italia

May 21, 2014
 
Alessandro Matri was the unlikely hero when he arrived off the bench to score an extra-time winner which gave Juventus a 2-1 win over Lazio in the Coppa Italia final and kept them on course for the treble. Matri, who has changed clubs in each of the last four transfer windows and been a fringe player since returning to Juventus in January, slotted the ball into the corner of the net in the seventh minute of extra time. While the Bianconeri were targeting the Treble, having already secured the Scudetto and preparing for the Champions League Final against Barcelona, the Aquile were looking to recapture the trophy they last won in 2013. Juve hadn’t lifted the trophy since 1995 and had Claudio Marchisio and Alvaro Morata suspended. Lucas Biglia was injured for Stefano Pioli’s side at the Stadio Olimpico, but surprisingly both teams used three at the back.

Without suspended striker Alvaro Morata, whose goals against Real Madrid lifted Juve into the Champions League final on June 6, coach Massimiliano Allegri fielded Fernando Llorente alongside Serie A’s top scorer Carlos Tevez in attack. Lazio got off to a great start and went in front when Radu headed Danilo Cataldi’s free-kick past Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari.

Juventus pulled level soon after. Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick was knocked down by Patrice Evra, leaving Chiellini to smash the ball from six yards and beat Berisha. In the 25th minute, Llorente headed Evra’s cross over the bar. Two minutes later and a fast counter-attack by Lazio saw Felipe Anderson sent Cataldi through on goal but his effort lacked pace and did not trouble Storari. Before the interval, Marco Parolo’s stinging drive from 25 yards went wide of the far post.

Defences were on top for the first 10 minutes of the second half but then the chances slowly came as both teams looked tired. Paul Pogba headed a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross over the bar and Parolo tried his luck from distance. Leonardo Bonucci received a yellow card for tripping Antonio Candreva minutes after Evra was also cautioned. Santiago Gentiletti curled a free-kick over the bar and Parolo had another chance that went off target. As the second half progressed, Juve became more defensive and Lazio looked more willing to win the game in open play. Candreva and Anderson made some dribbles but they failed to create chances on goal with them. Roberto Pererya came on for Pogba and his cross-shot flashed across goal. Filip Djordjevic came off the bench and almost restored Lazio’s lead, running on to a long ball, but Marco Storari was alert to smother at his feet. Alessandro Matri had the ball in the net when running on to a Pirlo pass over the top, but was flagged offside in a tight decision. In stoppage time, Tevez’s swerving shot from distance just went over the bar.

Lazio thought they had scored in extra time when Djordjevic unleashed a rocket from distance, but it bounced off the inside of the near post and then hit the other upright to go back out. It was an extraordinary strike and so unlucky. Matri nodded a Pereyra pull-back over from six yards, but then the substitute turned the Final around completely. Pouncing on the rebound from a Tevez blocked shot, he hit it too powerfully from 10 yards for Berisha to keep out, the ball bouncing off his wrist and into the roof of the net. It was a splendid Pirlo pass to begin the move, but Matri’s second Coppa Italia goal for Juve after scoring in the semi-final against Fiorentina.

Dusan Basta drilled wide from a Lazio corner and Pirlo tried to curl a free kick directly from a tight angle, punched away by Berisha. Keita Balde Diao’s strike was deflected and Tevez fired wide. Lazio could not find a way through as Juve held on for victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

Juventus are now on course for a first-ever club treble after claiming their first Coppa Italia crown in 20 years. It was a record 10th Coppa title for Juve, although their first since 1995. Having already won Serie A for a fourth successive season, Juventus will attempt to cap their season by winning the Champions League in the final against Barcelona on 6 June. Luis Enrique’s side will also be chasing a treble of their own in Berlin after they clinched the La Liga title with victory at Atlético Madrid on Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-uI4ROGG9I

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri Pushes Matri Button To Secure
10th Coppa Italia For Juventus

As Juventus came from behind to secure a historic 10th Coppa Italia title, Alessandro
Matri was the unlikely hero after his extra-time winner against a determined Lazio.

May 21, 2014
 
With a total of 220 goals scored over the 78 previous matches played in the build-up to the 2014-15 Coppa Italia final, supporters throughout the peninsula have been entertained with an average of 2.8 goals per game.

After enjoying Mameli’s Hymn performed by Chiara, the 2012 winner of the Italian version of the X Factor, and the spectacle of the pre-match choreographies from both sets of supporters, those in attendance at the Stadio Olimpico witnessed another engrossing encounter on the pitch between Juventus and Lazio.

Radoslav Kirilov (Cremonese), Andrea Mazzarani (Virtus Entella), Gianluca Caprari (Pescara) and Cristian Galano (Bari) may have all found the net even quicker during the second round held back in August.

But Lazio captain Stefan Radu scored the fastest goal in the final since Mauro Zarate in 2009 inside just four minutes before another unlikely scorer in Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini levelled with an acrobatic volley just six-and-a-half minutes later.

In spite of the Old Lady having won five of the past six meetings with the Aquile by a margin of two or more goals, the two sides could not be separated until the 97th minute in extra time.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri must have had a premonition as he predicted in his pre-match press conference that the outcome of the 68th edition of the competition would be decided by a substitute.

“It will be an even affair and it could possibly go into extra-time,” Allegri said in his pre-match press conference.

“That’s why it will be important to have players in good shape, including those who will be on the bench.”

While Lazio substitute Filip Djordjevic could have not been more unfortunate when he unleashed a shot from distance that hit the inside of both posts, Alessandro Matri enjoyed a stroke of fortune as his shot squirmed under Etrit Berisha.

After being reunited with Allegri for a third time following his arrival on the final day of the winter transfer window, the 30-year-old forward has been a back-up to Carlos Tevez, Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente.

However, he has proven to be an unlikely hero in helping Juventus become the first side to win the Coppa Italia 10 times.

Matri opened the scoring after he made a surprise first start when Juventus overcame a first leg loss to eliminate Fiorentina in the semi-finals. and he doubled his total in the final with just his fourth shot on goal.

In doing so, he ensured the Bianconeri a first win in the Coppa Italia in seven previous attempts against the Biancocelesti, but more importantly it secured Juventus a first domestic double since 1995 and a potential treble.

With seven goals and five assists in the first-half of the season at Genoa before returning to Turin on loan, the Lombard native is continuing to rebuild his reputation following his much maligned €11 million move to AC Milan and subsequent loan at Fiorentina last season.

Matri may not be as influential as he was in his first spell with Juventus, but he is content with his role as a substitute in a squad that continues to improve under Allegri.

“Obviously there is also great personal joy for scoring the decisive goal,” Matri told Rai Sport after the match.

“The characteristics of this team is that everyone has to be ready, even if they play five or 10 minutes.

“The coach knows how to press the right buttons and the motivation comes by itself.”

Attention has now turned to the Champions League final against Barcelona on June 6, and Matri is dreaming of another crucial cup goal.

“Could I score in the Champions League final? Maybe I could do something, but I don’t want to say too much and jinx it.”

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Historic Juve win
Coppa of centimetres

Alessandro Matri’s extra time goal sealed Juventus’ first League
and Cup double since 1995. Luca Cetta examines how the Coppa was won.

May 21, 2014
 
It’s something few would have predicted last July. Ten months after his less than warm welcome at Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri has etched his name into club history. He joins exalted company as one of just three men to win a domestic double at Juve. His name sits alongside Carlo Parola – 1959-60 – and Marcello Lippi – 1994-95.

When Lippi led the Turin club to that success against Parma, it was the club’s ninth in the competition. Two decades on, the Old Lady was still searching for her tenth. That was until yesterday’s gripping 2-1 victory over Lazio in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

While the Coppa is viewed as Serie A’s poor cousin, you get a sense it was a trophy Juve really wanted. That it had been 20 years since the last victory was made note of during the campaign and in the build-up to this match. Allegri said this Final was just as important as the Champions League decider. So when Giorgio Chiellini hoisted the trophy it almost felt like a weight off their shoulders.

It was a match which could have gone either way. And as both sides grew wary of conceding in the second half, extra time seemed inevitable. Such was the nature of the contest, when it was finally decided it was only by a matter of centimetres.

Rome was so nearly rocking in extra time. Filip Djordjevic had already started to wheel away in celebration. The striker was desperately unlucky to not break the deadlock as his left-foot cannon beat Marco Storari, but not the near post. The ball agonisingly hit the other upright and Juve breathed a sigh of relief as it then came out.

There may not even have been a need for 30 more minutes had the assistant referee not ruled out Alessandro Matri’s goal with minutes remaining of normal time. The striker thought he had scored the winner after connecting with Andrea Pirlo’s pass, only for celebrations to be halted. Replays suggest the linesman got it wrong in a tight decision.

Matri was not to be denied. Having returned to Juventus in January to bolster the attacking stocks he has proved his worth in the Coppa Italia. His goal in Florence helped the Bianconeri overturn a Semi-final deficit. And when Carlos Tevez’s 97th minute attempt was blocked the substitute pounced. Matri’s shot bounced off goalkeeper Etrit Berisha’s wrist into the roof of the net. All a matter of centimetres.

Luck was a theme both sides subscribed to. As Allegri noted, “We did well, they did well, they were unlucky hitting the woodwork twice in the same move and we were fortunate on our goal.” For his opposite number Stefano Pioli, “To win you need a little bit of luck and we didn’t have that,” while captain Stefan Radu added, “With a bit of luck, Djordjevic’s shot would’ve put us in front in extra time.”

Earlier, it was Lazio’s stand-in captain who led by example. Radu gave Lazio a fourth minute lead with a towering header which Storari got a hand to, but could not keep out. But when Chiellini produced an acrobatic equaliser seven minutes later, it felt like it could be Juve’s night. It was an unlikely leveller from the most unlikely source.

Juventus had won both League matches this term with a 5-0 aggregate total, but Allegri warned pre-match this would be different. “This is going to be a more balanced tie and it will not necessarily be resolved in 90 minutes.” The Livorno native was right on both counts. Lazio shaded the first half and Marco Parolo’s long-range drive nearly restored the lead. After the interval Djordjevic was unable to hook his shot past Storari, while Tevez nearly won it with virtually the last kick of normal time.

With this success, Juve’s dream of a first treble remains alive. Standing in their way is Barcelona, yet the Coach says he and his players will be doing everything in their power to make it come true. “It is not easy to play in three tournaments all the way through a season,” Allegri reminded. “Now we will try to nourish this dream and turn it into reality.”

After writing one historic chapter, Juventus can set their sights on another.

[Socrates 8515]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 1
after extra-time

Stefan Radu (4')

Giorgio Chiellini (11')
Alessandro Matri (97')

Coppa Italia TIM Final
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus come through final test
against Lazio with Coppa Italia win

May 21, 2014
 
In 1958, Juventus president Umberto Agnelli asked the Italian Football Federation if they could commemorate the fact his side had won their 10th Scudetti by stitching a gold star on their shirts. A tradition was born. Fifty seven years later, his son Andrea will now request that they inaugurate a silver one to mark the club's 10th Coppa Italia.

La Decima, as Tuttosport were calling it on Thursday morning, has been a long time coming. Twice the Old Lady had to file away her application for the stella d'argento (silver star) after losing finals to Parma in 2002, to Lazio in 2004 and Napoli in 2012, while their rivals Roma, also on nine, had the opportunity to pip them to it two years ago only to suffer a painful defeat to Lazio, the same opponents Juventus faced on Wednesday night.

Captaining the team in place of Gigi Buffon who passed his gloves to cup goalkeeper Marco Storari, centre-back Giorgio Chiellini dismissed the notion that this is a Coppetta (a small trophy) that his club didn't care about winning. "Success never gets boring for us," he said. "Particularly those of us [like Buffon and the suspended Claudio Marchisio] who were there in Rimini, Crotone and Frosinone [when Juventus were relegated to Serie B after the Calciopoli scandal]."

Taken personally by a clutch of core players, it has also assumed a renewed significance for the club, not only in the context of a prospective treble. "It's a special final," Chiellini added. "Because Juventus have gone without this trophy for too long. We sweat hard to get to this stage, burning a lot of energy [particularly in the semifinal when a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina in Turin was improbably reversed with a remarkable 3-0 win in Florence], so it's a cup we want to win."

The most telling comment of all, however, was another. "In the 10 years that I have been here, we have only played one final and I didn't like losing it," Chiellini reflected of their 2-0 defeat to Napoli in 2012.

A single final appearance in a decade. Think about that. It's not a great deal of group experience in big one-off games like these. Stretching back further Juventus have lost their last six finals in all competitions [excluding the Italian Super Cup]. Interestingly, their last success in one came against Ajax in the Champions League in 1996 at the Stadio Olimpico, the setting for Wednesday's Coppa Italia showdown.

So for La Stampa this was "finals training" and "a final test" -- a double entendre underlining how it represented both the last game of significance before the Champions League showpiece against Barcelona on June 6 and an examination of Juventus' ability to cope and deliver on these special occasions. It served as a "flight simulator" for Berlin, wrote Maurizio Crosetti in La Repubblica and as a live exercise it wasn't without turbulence.

After losing 5-0 on aggregate to Juventus in the league this season, Lazio made an adjustment. They changed shape and played 3-4-3 for the first time. Much more competitive than a month ago when they had gone to Turin on an eight-game winning streak only to disappoint and be out-played, Stefano Pioli initially had his players press high and aggressively, crowd the midfield and make life uncomfortable for Juventus. Allegri's airplane had difficulty taking off and was grounded when Stefan Radu shouldered Lazio in front via a Danilo Cataldi free kick inside the opening five minutes. Had the "home side" held their advantage a while longer, settled and ascended to a state of calm and collectedness, then the outcome of this final could have been different.

But Juventus got back level almost immediately through another dead-ball situation. A Pirlo out-swinger caused problems at the far-post, Patrice Evra made himself a nuisance and knocked it down -- just as he did for Alvaro Morata's goal in the UCL semifinal in Madrid -- and Chiellini of all people contrived to execute a fine scissor kick to surprise Etrit Berisha. If Juventus were unflappable, Lazio looked a little fazed by the equaliser. They sat deeper, wary of conceding on the counter. Four of the five goals they had given up against Juventus this season had been on fast-breaks. Now Lazio sought to use the tactic against them.

Anderson drove at them at pace and released Cataldi but it came to nothing. Marco Parolo pounced on a mistake by Pogba but shot wide. When Filip Djordjevic ran onto a ball over the top in the second half, a moment's hesitancy and a timid air-shot permitted Storari to recover and see out the danger. However, the defining moment of Lazio's final came early in extra-time when Djordjevic, on for the ineffective Miroslav Klose, watched a shot finally beat Storari. Already embarking on a celebratory run, the Serb suddenly checked it after seeing his strike hit the post then fell into despair as it skimmed across the goal-line, struck the other post and bounced out. "All it took was a little bit of luck tonight, but we didn't get it," Pioli lamented later.

Not for the first time this season, destiny was smiling on Juventus. Within a minute Pirlo produced a world-class pass to the hero of the night, Alessandro Matri. It bisected Lazio's centre-backs and even though his first touch was heavy, the confusion it and the presence of Carlos Tevez caused meant he seized on the loose ball and buried it past Berisha who, like Samir Handanovic in the Derby d'Italia at the weekend, really should have done better.

Allegri had nailed another substitution and Matri repaid the trust of a coach who got the best out of him at Cagliari, took him to Milan and then brought him back to Juventus when it no longer looked like he'd ever be allowed near a big club again. He had got the comeback underway against Fiorentina in the second leg of the semifinal and now ensured Juventus did the double for only the third time in their history and for the first time in 20 years.

Not only has Allegri accomplished something that Conte fell short of in 2013, he cleared the hurdle Cestmir Vycpalek fell at in 1973. Vycpalek, the uncle of Zdenek Zeman, won the Scudetto with Juve that season, but then lost the Coppa Italia final (5-2 on penalties to Milan) and the European Cup final (1-0 to Ajax). Unlike the Czech and later Lippi, whose teams arrived at the biggest dance of all hard pushed and frazzled domestically, Allegri will have had the league wrapped up more than a month beforehand by the time he reaches Berlin. The team is fit and healthy and finished the game the stronger against Real and Lazio.

"Now let's see if we can turn this dream into reality," Allegri said. He was convinced that winning the Coppa would allow Juventus to better prepare for the Champions League final given the ulterior surge in confidence it would generate and the absence of any doubts and scrutiny defeat might bring. How ideal things are then.

And while the Old Lady smiles, Lazio have to turn that frown upside down. Champions League qualification and €50 million are riding on the next five days. Napoli go to Turin on Saturday in the belief that they can get the win they need against a Juventus team that is likely to be weaker in its composition than the one they beat in the Italian Super Cup in December. Do it, and they will be level on points with Lazio but have the edge on head-to-head, adding to the pressure resting on the shoulders of Pioli and his players before Monday's Derby della Capitale against Roma who are less in form but should be fresher.

Everything is so delicately poised, particularly with Napoli hosting Lazio on the final day, a game expected to be Rafa Benitez's farewell. A place on the podium and in the Champions League is an acceptable way for him to say goodbye. Victorious on each of the four occasions he has met Lazio in the league, in no small part because of the six goals Gonzalo Higuain has scored in those games, however, holders Napoli were eliminated from the Coppa this season after Lazio knocked them out at the San Paolo in April.

For now, though, Pioli is 100 percent focused on Roma. 2-0 up against them at the interval in January, Lazio need to make it stick rather than let Totti and co back in like they did then. "I hope Monday is the turning point," he said. "We have worked all year to get to this point. We hoped it would be decisive for our future. I believe my team deserves to play in the Champions League next year for how we have played and the spirit we have shown. The lads deserve it. But we have to show it on the pitch. We'll try and do it in the derby." Monday promises to be colossal.