A Fiorentina devoured. Other than distractions from the Champions League or post-season fatigue, this Juventus can only do one thing: win. And so the final of the Italian Cup, so far after the first leg of last March 5, has become a reality. A clear success for the bianconeri, a 0-3 that leaves little room for the recriminations of an annihilated Fiorentina, forced to say goodbye to a goal considered within reach after the 1-2 draw in Turin.
That evening the absolute star had been Salah, but yesterday Juve won with the help of everyone, without exception. And to think that the mission, already complicated for him, seemed to have been irreparably compromised with the forfeits of Tevez and Lichtsteiner (muscle problems for both, there will be for Monaco), which were added to the "usual" Pirlo and Pogba. Thus Allegri chose to trust Matri, his praetorian both in Cagliari and in Milan, and he was repaid in the best possible way.
In the 21st minute the forward took advantage of a rebound in the area and killed Neto with his right foot: 0-1 and the game reopened. Yes, because at that point a single goal was enough to completely overturn the speeches and the Lady, smelling the purple fear, conquered him even before the interval: shot by Morata, rejected by Neto, tap in by Pereyra (44 '). The 0-2 irremediably folded Fiorentina but Bonucci thought about breaking it on the developments of a corner (59 '). The match essentially ended here even if, to spoil the black and white party a bit, Morata took care of it and in the 88th minute he got sent off for a foul on Diamanti.
“It's a pity we can't be in the final but we will have Matri, Llorente, Coman – commented Allegri. – I am very happy with the team's performance, winning 3-0 in Florence is not easy. Now let's think about the championship, for the Scudetto we still need 3 wins and 1 draw...".
In short, one step at a time, without leaving anything out. This is why, since yesterday evening, the Juventus people have had a dream called a "treble", so much so that the question about the calendars has already been raised. Indeed, the Coppa Italia final is scheduled for Sunday 7 June, 24 hours after the last act of the Champions League. “Let's hope they're forced to change the date…” joked, but not too much, Allegri, who is even doing better than Conte in silence.
This evening (20.45 pm), the name of the other finalist will emerge from the wheel of Naples. The Azzurri will face Lazio in a match that promises entertainment, as well as a good dose of competition. It starts from 1-1 in the first leg, a result which, on paper, would seem favorable to Benitez's men, were it not that Pioli's men are much better off. In fact, Lazio comes from 7 consecutive victories in the league, Napoli have only scored 2 points in their last 5 games.
“They are doing very well but we want the final, we will do everything to get it – the Spanish coach spoke up at the press conference. – We are not in crisis, in the last two games we have missed the goal, not the performance. We will go on the field to win the match, not to manage the result of the first leg”.
But if Napoli could also settle for a 0-0 draw, this is not the case for Lazio, who are forced to win at all costs. “It's clear that they have a small advantage but we're fine, both physically and mentally – said Pioli. – We are the only ones who have played in the Cup since the early rounds, we deserve the final and we will try to reach it with all our strength".
