Thursday, May 20, 2021

JUVENTUS WINS COPPA ITALIA FOR RECORD 14TH TIME

Juventus battled a tough season with another record breaking 14th Italian Cup victory. Currently fifth in Sirie A this season, the Bianconeri gave everything to beat Atalanta 2-1 in the final at Mapei Stadium. About 4300 fans were allowed to watch the final in Reggio Emilia.

Juventus took the lead in the 31st minute as Dejan Kulusevski scored from a counter attack initiated by Juan Cuadrado before Weston McKennie delivered a fine assist. Just 10 minutes later, Atalanta leveled the score through Ruslan Malinovskyi who smashed home an opportunity to beat Gianluigi Buffon.

Federico Chiesa almost restore the lead for Juventus early in the second half. However his attempt from Cristiano Ronaldo’s backheeled flick went off the right post. Juventus got the winner in the 73rd minutes after a good one-two play by Kulusevski, and Chiesa drilled pass Pierluigi Gollini.

The match could marked as a final season for Buffon and Ronaldo with Juventus. The 43 year-old legendary goalkeeper has hinted about retirement and Ronaldo ready to be off-loaded from the club's financial constraints. For the records, Ronaldo has won 2 Sirie A titles, 2 SuperCoppa Italiana and a Coppa Italia since joining the club in 2018.

TIGERS UNITED

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