28 June 2015
Just three days after dispatching Real Madrid to advance to the Champions League final, Juventus returned to domestic action with a trip to Inter at the midway point of May, looking to claim the Derby d’Italia spoils.
The hosts, in need of a win to keep up their dream of securing a spot in next season’s Europa League, began the affair on the front foot and went ahead on nine minutes when Mauro Icardi deflected Marcelo Brozovic’s fierce strike past Marco Storari.
But Massimiliano Allegri’s much changed side mustered a response and were back on level terms shortly ahead of the half-time interval, Claudio Marchisio expertly converting a penalty following Nemanja Vidic’s trip on Alessandro Matri in the area.
And the comeback was made complete seven minutes from the end when Alvaro Morata’s shot proved too hot to handle for Samir Handanovic, who misjudged his angles and saw the ball roll over the line after it skipped up off the turf and his gloves.
Penalty king @ClaMarchisio8 and poacher @AlvaroMorata keep us marching on in #InterJuve. Next up? Coppa Italia! pic.twitter.com/ZgU4VgWBRd
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 16, 2015
Juventus subsequently had to count on the heroics of Storari in the final moments as he pulled off an incredible double stop, first thwarting Rodrigo Palacio’s left-footed effort before then getting up to claw away Icardi’s goalbound follow-up.
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With another victory under their belts, the newly-crowned Serie A champions then turned their attentions to the final against Lazio in the capital, looking to keep up the winning feeling and make it a perfect ten Coppa Italia trophies.
Both finalists began the season’s showpiece event with vigour but it was the Biancocelesti who edged their noses in front on four minutes at the Stadio Olimpico, skipper Stefan Radu nodding Danilo Cataldi’s free-kick into the top corner.
That early opener brought out an instant reply from Allegri’s charges just five minutes later when Patrice Evra headed an Andrea Pirlo set-piece across goal, with Giorgio Chiellini on hand to fire home acrobatically and make it 1-1.
An acrobatic effort from @chiellini makes it 1-1 in the capital with 10 minutes played! #JuveLazio #CoppaItalia pic.twitter.com/i8WgEJWulI
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 20, 2015
The two quick-fire goals should have set the tone for a barnstorming remaining 81 minutes, but apart from an Alessandro Matri goal ruled out for offside, clear-cut chances were in short supply with the game becoming more edgy as it wore on.
Hearts were in the Old Lady faithful’s mouths when Lazio thought they had regained the initiative at the start of extra-time but Filip Djordjevic’s left-footed drive bounced off both posts before rolling away to safety.
Just seconds after almost experiencing agony however, the Bianconeri supporters were then in ecstasy on 96 minutes.
Following a quick counter attack, Carlos Tevez’s initial shot was diverted into the path of Matri who took a touch before burying his shot beyond Etrit Berisha’s outstretched arm and in.
GOAL! #JuveLazio 2-1. MITRA @Ale_Matri SWEEPS HOME FROM INSIDE THE BOX!!! #CoppaItalia
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 20, 2015
Despite Lazio attempting to up the pressure and bag an equaliser, Juventus held out to end their 20-year hoodoo in the competition and enter the history books as the club with the most Coppa Italia titles.
Celebrations pitchside at the final whistle. Let the party begin! #Camp10ni #JuveLazio #CoppaItalia pic.twitter.com/8ScOxzR9bS
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 20, 2015
The celebrations immediately ensued as the players paraded the trophy in front of their ardent fans and also got the champagne corks popping in the dressing room.
AND THERE IT IS! @chiellini raises the trophy to the sky as the Bianconeri bounce around in delight! #Camp10ni #JuveLazio
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 20, 2015
Ladies and gentlemen, these are your #Camp10ni! #JuveLazio #CoppaItalia pic.twitter.com/vn8L7vbTrP
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 20, 2015
There's no way @AlvaroMorata was missing out on the festivities! #Camp10ni #JuveLazio #CoppaItalia pic.twitter.com/2w5glf1dBI
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 20, 2015
All smiles from matchwinner @Ale_Matri in the dressing room. #Camp10ni #JuveLazio #CoppaItalia pic.twitter.com/tFG4MxCa4q
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) May 20, 2015
Domestic double done, now it was time to end the Serie A season in style!
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