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The men from Turin came out as champions in a hard-fought final between Atalanta and Juventus. Andrea Pirlo's men put aside their flawed league and Champions League campaigns before entering the pitch to take on Atalanta. And truth be told, they played like a rejuvenated side, possessing the sheer will to lift the trophy at any cost.
Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta were second best through out the 90 minutes, as Juventus outlasted Gli Orobici in a thrilling final. Against the run of play, it was Juve who scored the first goal of the night, through the former Atalanta player Dejan Kulusevski. The 21-year-old curled a beautiful left-footed strike into the side netting to make it 1-0 for his side in the 31st minute.
Atalanta wasted no time as they hit back within 10 minutes. Ruslan Malinovskyi got his team back into the game with a wonderful effort, taking his tally to 14 goals this season. The men in blue completely dominated Juve in the first half as the Bianconeri found themselves lucky to be at par after 45 minutes.
However, Andrea Pirlo seemingly breathed new life into Juventus as it was a completely different side in the second half.
Juventus, led by Giorgio Chiellini, made sure they left everything on the pitch as they amassed around 10 shots in the 2nd half, almost thrice of what Atalanta were able to create. Juve eventually scored the third goal of the night as it was Federico Chiesa this time who sealed the win for the former Italy champions, smashing it home from point-blank range.
On that note, let's take a look at the 5 talking points from the Coppa Italia final.
#5 Juventus' attack was too hot to handle for Atalanta
Gian Piero Gasperini's men have only lost to Juventus once in their last 7 meetings against the Turin-based club. But Atalanta's performance said otherwise as they were unable to contain anything coming through the likes of Federico Chiesa, Kulusevski and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It was indeed a game of two halves. Atalanta controlled the first half but were unable to find a second goal, while Juventus showcased total dominance over their opponent in the second half and capped it off with the winning goal in the process.
Juve's forwards were finding it easy to disrupt Atalanta's shape as they constantly ran the channels as well as getting in between the lines. The off-the-ball movements by the men in black and white were world class, and they were rewarded with a goal in the final quarter of the game.
#4 Matthijs de Ligt proves his worth on the big stage
Matthijs de Ligt hasn't had the best of times in Italy since securing his move to Juventus in the summer of 2019. The 21-year-old has often been scrutinized for his performances over the past two years but history did not repeat itself.
De Ligt has been a regular figure in Andrea Pirlo's XI alongside Chiellini, and the pairing were at the top of their game last night. The duo kept Duvan Zapata in check as Atalanta's best goalscorer was unable to breach the defense.
De Ligt won 100% of his aerial duels, while making 3 interceptions, 3 tackles and 2 blocks to keep his side from conceding. The Turin club defended a 1-goal lead for 25 minutes and Atalanta's forwards did not have a sniff at goal.
#3 Atalanta's inexperience became evident
Juventus have had a below-par season in terms of their performances in the league and in Europe, but one can never rule out the possibility of them winning a final, no matter who their opponents are. When a team boasts the profiles of Ronaldo, Chiellini, Cuadrado, Buffon, Rabiot, etc, one can only hope they have a bad day.
Meanwhile, Atalanta's young squad were victims of Juventus' sheer experience, game management and composure. Gasperini's men committed 10+ fouls in the final 20 minutes of the game, more than what they did in the first 70 minutes.
The belief fell off when Chiesa scored the third goal and it was game over for Atalanta even before the final whistle. Gasperini's substitutes did make a slight impact but Atalanta couldn't even maintain possession in Juve's half, let alone get into their final third.
#2 Juan Cuadrado or Federico Chiesa; who should win POTY for Juventus?
Juan Cuadrado has been putting in world class shifts as a right back for Juventus week in week out and it was nothing different in their biggest game of the season. Robin Gosens and Luis Palomina had no solution to the incredible trickery, pace and control Cuadrado had in his locker.
Andrea Pirlo has preferred the Columbian as a right back due to his crossing ability and willingness to take on defenders. Although he is not the best at defending, the 32-year-old understands his role in the team and despite being a rash player, he is often Juve's most reliable outlet.
Federico Chiesa, on the other hand, has been a revelation in Serie A. The 23-year-old reached the 20 goals & assists haul for the season as he scored the Coppa Italia winner for Juventus in front of thousands of fans who adore his presence on the pitch.
#1 What next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrea Pirlo?
To lift the Coppa Italia in a season filled with disappointments is certainly a massive boost for the squad's self esteem as well as morale. Ending one of their worst seasons in the past decade with a trophy is definitely a bonus, but the job is not complete as Juventus sit 5th on the table, a point behind 3rd and 4th placed Napoli.
Cristiano Ronaldo's future seems to be in the air at present, although winning a trophy would improve Agnelli's chances of keeping his talisman at the club. Meanwhile Pirlo has been heavily criticized for his management and fans seemingly want the former midfielder to be replaced this summer.
It is yet to be confirmed whether they will be leaving or staying for the new season as it heavily depends on whether Juventus qualify for the UEFA Champions League or not. For now, the Coppa Italia winners have cut themselves some slack from their demanding fans.
