The Coppa Italia semi-finals were played in midweek and, if anyone managed to livestream this game, then you would know that it is definitely worth a mention.
What an unbelievable return leg between the two top contenders for the Serie A crown: Juventus took on AC Milan at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. It was a phenomenal game with free flowing play and stunning goals!
Heading into this match with a 2-1 away win in the first fixture, Juventus took the lead through a wonderful Alessandro Del Piero effort. Midfield mastermind, Andrea Pirlo, lobbed the ball over the Rossoneri defence on the right flank for Stephan Lichtsteiner who then centred the ball to Del Piero who fooled Milan ‘keeper Marco Amelia, before sending it to the back of the net! At this point it was 3-1 on aggregate for the Old Lady.
However, in the second half, the Diavoli equalised the match in style with a Philippe Mexes beautiful through ball over the Bianconeri defence for an unmarked Djanel Mesbah diving header! Spectacular!
With 10 minutes remaining, the Diavoli needed another goal to send the game into extra time. Maxi Lopez shrugged off Giorgio Chiellini, powered through Leonardo Bonucci, and then beat Juve reserve goalkeeper, Marco Storari, sending the sphere into the top right corner! Amazing!
But, in the opening 6 minutes of extra time, Mirko Vucinic equalised the encounter 2-2, putting the Bianconeri in front 4-3 on aggregate with an impressive solo effort. Vucinic blasted the Old Lady into the semi-finals with a screamer of shot from a good 24 yards out into the top right corner of the net! Unbelievable!
The Bianconeri are heading to the Coppa Italia finals in which they have not competed since 1995. Having already won 9 titles, a silver star might be awarded for their 10th should Juve win. SSC Napoli won the other semifinal tie against Siena which sets up a Juventus-Napoli Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico di Roma on May 20.
Honour and respect to AC Milan for playing such an extraordinary match. This was a fantastic and entertaining match to watch. Both sides gave it their all for the Coppa Italia which all Italians hope will transpire next year in Europe as well.
As for AC Milan, Massimiliano Allegri’s men welcome Barcelona FC to the San Siro on Wednesday, March 28 for the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals. It is a crucial match for the Rossoneri who must take advantage of playing at home. Good luck to the Rossoneri players and faithful! Forza Milan!
…and that is the last word.
