Juventus have finally found something to cheer about.
After a disappointing Serie A season, Juventus have clinched the Coppa Italia title after beating Atalanta 2-1 on Wednesday. Giorgio Chiellini and his men gave the perfect birthday gift to coach Andrea Pirlo, who turned 42 last night, and this was their second trophy this season after winning the Super Cup in January. “It was a great match, between two beautiful teams who fought to the end, a final worthy of this name, also a big celebration for the public, with everything that has happened this season,” Pirlo told AFP after the game.
After being reportedly unhappy with his Juve assignment, the 2006 World Cup winner now has a change of mind. “I would really like to sit on the Juventus bench again next year. I think I did my job well day by day, trying to win finals. I would like to continue, I love this club,” Pirlo said.
A late strike by Federico Chiesa helped the Bianconeri win their 14th Italian Cup. Last night was Juventus’ 400th Coppa Italia game, and it was the 20th time they appeared in the final of the competition. It was Cristiano Ronaldo’s fifth trophy with Juventus and first ever Italian Cup victory.
Liverpool eye Champions League berth
Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Nathaniel Phillips powered Liverpool to a 3-0 win versus Burnley. Now that the Reds have moved into the top four, all they need is a win in their last game versus Crystal Palace to qualify for the Champions League. “We had to win the 'semi-final' and we did. Nothing is decided yet but we improved our position and we have the final. That's what we needed. It's what we deserve because this was a top performance,” Coach Jurgen Klopp told AFP after the game last night. Currently, Liverpool are above the fifth-placed Leicester City on goal difference.
Liverpool play Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 23. Klopp wants the ‘final’ game to be worth it with fans in the stadium. And he is also not in the mood to take Palace lightly. “I can't wait for the 1000 fans at Anfield. Nothing is decided - Palace are strong,” he said.
