Atalanta fell agonizingly short of their first Coppa Italia triumph in over 60 years, succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Wednesday’s final. Dusan Vlahovic’s fourth-minute strike made the difference at the Stadio Olimpico, condemning La Dea to a third grand-final loss in five years.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s team dominated possession and had more attempts on goal than Juventus but couldn’t find the back of the net. Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive-minded set-up caught Atalanta off guard, as the Bergamo outfit finished the game without a shot on target.
There’s no time to dwell on another Coppa Italia heartache as a mouth-watering Europa League showpiece against Bayer Leverkusen awaits Atalanta next week.
Atalanta (3-5-2)
Marco Carnesecchi – (6)
Beaten twice from situations he couldn’t have handled, the Italian goalkeeper only had to make one save tonight and had VAR to bail him out for Juve’s second.
Isak Hien – (2.5)
A horror performance performance from the Swede! After letting Vlahovic slip his mark for the opener, he received an early booking for a ridiculous challenge on the halfway line and nearly gave away a penalty for a mindless tackle on the Serb.
Marten de Roon – (6.5)
Despite being inferior to Federico Chiesa in terms of speed and acceleration, the Atalanta captain made numerous vital blocks and interceptions.
Berat Djimsiti – (6)
Like Hien, the Albania international couldn’t cope with Vlahovic tonight, conceding a number of unnecessary free kicks and picking up a yellow for a needless tackle in the opposition’s half.
Davide Zappacosta – (6)
Despite all the desire and energy he injected into his team this evening, the veteran full-back failed to set up his crosshairs, with none of his crosses finding their mark.
Ederson – (6.5)
He might have won the midfield battle against his Juventus counterparts, but Atalanta needed a spark in the engine room, and the Brazilian couldn’t provide it.
Mario Pasalic – (6.5)
Another Atalanta player who worked his socks off tonight without an end product! The Croat tried to confuse Juventus defenders with continuous movements between the lines but to no avail.
Matteo Ruggeri – (6)
Similarly to Zappacosta, the attacking-minded left-back was an omnipresent figure in the final third, yet failed to pick out his teammates in the box.
Teun Koopmeiners – (5.5)
The Dutchman was supposed to be the brain behind Atalanta’s relentless effort to claw their way into the game. Unfortunately, his illustrious playmaking skills let him down at the Olimpico.
Ademola Lookman – (7)
There’s no doubt he was La Dea’s most devastating forward. In addition to hitting the post late in the game, the Nigerian was among the most eye-pleasing performers this evening.
Charles De Ketelaere – (3.5)
After a heroic showing against Roma, the Belgian reminded Serie A enthusiasts of his Milan days. Gleison Bremer bullied him in the first 45 minutes before Gasperini took him off at halftime.
Juventus Player Ratings vs Atalanta: Vlahovic Delivers 15th Coppa Italia
Substitutes
El Bilal Toure – (6.5)
Hans Hateboer – (6)
Aleksey Miranchuk – (5)
Giorgio Scalvini – (6.5)
Rafael Toloi – (5.5)
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |