Juventus Hoist Coppa Italia Trophy

The record holders of the Coppa Italia had a chance to sketch their name into history once again, versus a familiar foe in Atalanta. This was the second meeting in a Cup final within the past four years, when Juventus took care of Atalanta 2-1 in the 2020 Coppa Italia. Nothing differed this time around, as Juve took down Atalanta once again, one to nil. The early goal came in the fourth minute of play, where Forward Dusan Vlahovic latched onto a Andrea Cambiaso pass and tucked it past the keeper. This will add onto Juventus’ tear in this competition, capturing the trophy for the 15th time. 

Juventus Hoist Coppa Italia Trophy

Other than Vlahovic’s opening goal within the first five minutes, Juventus did not look as dangerous as we have seen them throughout this campaign. Atalanta would consistently high press the Bianconeri, but the issue was getting shots on target. While Atalanta was not testing Mattia Perin as much as they would have liked, the pressure in the final third would cause concerns for Juventus early. Juventus would see themselves having a one goal lead at the break, in a highly competitive bout.

With a back and forth clash throughout the game, Atalanta really put the pressure on late in the tie. While Juventus would take the pressure being up a goal, the laid back approach would be an interesting way to play by Massimiliano Allegri’s side. While offering support on the counter attack, the pace of the game during the second half came from Atalanta’s attack. Teun Koopmeiners would play his role in the midfield, winning one on one duels that led to most of the chances for his side. Just when Atalanta felt themselves working back into this battle, it was deja vu for the Northern Italian side. Cambiaso whipped a pass in, later finding Vlahovic’s subtle touch to put it across the goal line. With VAR having a look at the recent goal, it was then called offside. This would put Atalanta back in the match with roughly twenty minutes to go. Moments later Nigerian native, Ademola Lookman, would have an opportunity for Atalanta where he then rattled the post on a shot from just outside the eighteen yard box. 

Withstanding Atalanta’s Attack

During the last third of the match, Juventus was defending for their life in what was an aggressive approach from the opposition. The back line for Juventus was standing firm, forcing Atalanta to work the flanks rather than penetrate the center of the park. As time went on in the late stages of the game, Juventus’ fans that made the trip to Stadio Olimpico in Rome could feel the club taking charge of the trophy. The late scare by a set piece from Koopmeiners fell to Ederson, who tee’d one up and forced Perin to make the save of the game. With a call for a foul in the box during the loose ball, Manager Allegri would receive a red card and have him get sent off in the last minute of the match. That did not make Juventus startled, as they saw out the remaining six minutes of extra time. Vlahovic is the hero in this one, making his mark known early and often. Juventus would hoist their 15th Coppa Italia in a thriller in Rome.