Juventus vs AC Milan: 5 key players who can decide Coppa Italia final

The cauldron of Stadio Olimpico would be draped in bianconeri in one half and the rossoneri in the other as Juventus and AC Milan lock horns in the Coppa Italia final.

Both sides have different reasons to claim the piece of silverware as Serie A champions-elect Juve aim to complete an unprecedented fourth domestic double on the trot, while this is Milan's first real shot at a trophy under the Chinese management.

On paper, the Old Lady is heavily tipped to scoop the TIM cup, having also comprehensively beaten the Lombardy outfit with an aggregate of 5-1 in the league. But Gennaro Gattusso's side can spring a surprise on their day.

As we fast approach the kick-off, let's look at 5 important players from the final who can decide the outcome of the tie.

#1 Paulo Dybala

Dybala is ascending up his lofty heights again

A lot has been said about the Argentine wizard in the recent days, and none of them have been positive. Dybala has been brought under the scanner for his underwhelming run of form of late. Ever since he returned from the hamstring in early March, things had taken a downturn and Dybala cut a sub-par figure in the games.

But with a goal in the 3-1 win over Bologna last weekend - his first since the hat-trick against Benevento last month - he gained a measure of exoneration. Now Juventus can hope to have him firing at all cylinders on Wednesday night again.

The 24-year old has often come up clutches in big games for the Bianconeris and has the potential to turn the tides around in split second. His side will once again entrust the onus of unlocking Milan on him, while also trying to feast on his pin-point crosses from set-pieces.

Key stat: Dybala is Juve's most prolific scorer this season with 26 goals in all competitions

#2 Hakan Calhanoglu

Calhanoglu is a much improved striker these days

After long spells of frustration during the initial months, the Turk is finally delivering on the promise which Milan bought him with in the summer. Part of that is down to the tutelage of Gattusso, under whom he's struck 5 times in 16 games compared to just two in the previous 17 under Vincenzo Montella.

The key to this is operating from the left-wing, as it has unlocked his potential. He's now more involved in the attack than ever, and often drifts inside when Milan are in possession. Calhanoglu struggled when deployed either at the base of the midfield or on the left side of it. But Gattusso identified his appropriate bailiwick and he's isn't the same player again.

His interplay with Giancomo Bonaventura would be vital in causing chaos in Juve's area, while his intelligent runs down the flanks can prove to be menacing to an otherwise sloppy wing of theirs. Calhanoglu's impeccable crosses inside the box can help the Rossonerris conjure a chance or two.

Key stat: Calhanoglu has laid 4 assists in 2018, the most by a Milan player.

#3 Douglas Costa

Costa has assumed a talismanic role for his side

"Joining Juventus was the best decision of my life," said Costa in a recent interview. It's easy to understand why. The brawny Brazilian is assuming a greater role these days, as weariness is dangerously creeping in on the squad after a long, enduring season.

So while the rest of the team has faltered in the recent days, Costa, contrastingly, has hit the throttle. He's the cog that keeps the Juventus juggernaut ticking. And his impact couldn't have been more evident than in the 3-1 win over Bologna last Sunday. Costa's introduction in the second-half changed the whole complexion of the game and they appeared far more threatening that what they did without him on the field.

The former Bayern Munich man actually helps free up the forward line and his penchant to waltz ahead everytime he receives the ball makes Juventus so minacious. His ability to get behind the defence with lighting quick speed can unsettle Milan and thoroughly expose them at the back.

Key stat: Costa has laid 13 assists in all competitions this season, four more than any Juventus player.

#4 Giancomo Bonaventura

Bonaventura has improved by leaps and bounds

Ever since Gattuso took over the helm, several players have found their footing again. But the most improved player has to be Bonaventura, who has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. Having shunted back to the left side of the midfield trio, it has facilitated the 28-year old to bomb down the middle and get involved in the attacks more actively.

In the recent games, Bonaventura is at the heart of every Milan attack. From chasing mere shadows in the first-half of the season to orchestrating the attack, he has rejuvenated greatly and is crucial to Milan's midfield battle against the mighty Juve side.

Bonaventura can also prove to be an extra goalscoring option, having found his scoring boots to bag a few in the recent games.

Key stat: Bonaventura has been directly involved in 10 goals since Gattuso took over (7 goals and 3 assists), the most by any Milan player in that time period.

#5 Gianluigi Buffon

Buffon's last Coppa Italia, can it end with another trophy?

This might be the last cup final he features for in a Juventus shirt, having professed his decision to hang up his boots at the end of the season. So naturally, the Bianconeri stalwart would aim to end on a high.

But for that, he needs to reconjure his best. The last few games has seen the 40-year old come a cropper, and hasn't kept a cleansheet in each of the last 4 games. Buffon appears increasingly twitchy and every shot gliding towards him threatens to end in the back of the net. This should change if he were to keep out Milan and must recoup his A1 game between the sticks.

Milan are sure to take the game to Juventus as their attacking vanguard is currently imbuing overwhelming amount of flair, and the onus would be on Buffon to step up to the plate everytime the defense is outfoxed.

Key stat: Buffon concedes a goal every 1.63 game, the best figures in Serie A this term.