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Federico Chiesa clinched a Coppa Italia triumph for Juventus and a first trophy for coach Andrea Pirlo with a 2-1 victory over Atalanta in the final on Wednesday.
Another early Champions League exit and a limp Serie A title defence left Pirlo staring at a disappointing debut season as Juventus coach.
But goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Chiesa earned his side Italian Cup glory to leave the Juve coach something to show for the campaign.
With fans in attendance for the first time in Italy since March, it was Juve who took the lead at the Mapei Stadium, against the run of play, thanks to a fine finish from Kulusevski in the 31st minute.
Atalanta, looking to win their first Italian Cup since 1963, deservedly levelled through Ruslan Malinovskiy four minutes before the break.
But Pirlo’s side stepped it up after the break, almost restoring the lead on the hour mark when Cristiano Ronaldo produced a brilliant backheeled flick to set up Chiesa, only for his shot to come back off the post.
But the goal did come 12 minutes later, as Chiesa fired home his 13th goal in all competitions this season in the 73rd minute to spark jubilant scenes among the Juve players and staff at the final whistle.
The celebrations centred around 43-year-old goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, who was likely playing his final game for Juventus.
Source: Ghanaarticles.com/Reuters
