Atalanta vs Juventus 0-1: Vlahovic Delivers Allegri His Fifth Coppa Italia

Three years later, history repeated itself. Just like in 2021, Juventus beat Atalanta in the Coppa Italia Final, claiming their first silverware in three years and adding a new copy – the 15th – of the domestic cup to their trophy cabinet.   

A lone goal from Dusan Vlahovic made the difference on Wednesday night at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome as the Bianconeri had the upper hand over an Atalanta side less brilliant than usual.

Many things can change in three days: Juventus were just coming from an overly disappointing league showing  as they salvaged a point against already-relegated Salernitana only during stoppage time. Atalanta, on the other hand, had taken all three points on offer against Roma thanks to a shimmering performance. They looked in tip top shape. 

The match at the Olimpico, however, told a different story as Massimiliano Allegri became the first coach to win the Coppa Italia five times, partially redeeming a season that saw Juve giving up the fight for the Scudetto too early. 

Juventus scored the only goal of the night just four minutes into the game. A clever pass through from Andrea Cambiaso for Vlahovic sent the Serb one-on-one against Marco Carnesecchi as he sneaked past Isak Hien. Vlahovic kept his cool and slot the ball past the Nerazzurri goalie to break the deadlock.  

Atalanta’s reaction was mild as Juve’s back three managed to easily contain them. Charles De Ketelaere had one shot off target while Mario Pasalic’s attempt was blocked by the defense. That was all the Nerazzurri could produce in the first half.  

Gasperini introduced El Bilal Touré right after the half time break, replacing a De Ketelaere that surely didn’t replicate his stunning performance from just a few days ago. He then added Giorgio Scalvini, Hans Hateboer, and Alexei Miranchuk around the one-hour mark. 

But even with four new men Atalanta couldn’t change the match momentum. Indeed, La Dea breathed a sign of relief when referee Fabio Maresca disallowed Juve’s penalty claims for a Hien push on Vlahovic in the box. It was one of the many refereeing calls that would eventually make Allegri lose his grip.  

On 66 minutes, Atalanta scrambled to block a phenomenal dash from Vlahovic. Marten De Roon sacrificed himself in the process as he had to be subbed for Rafael Toloi due to a knee injury. The Dutchman left the pitch in tears, a sign that he may have picked up something serious.

Juventus found the back of the net one more time on 74 minutes, and again from a Cambiaso cross that was converted by Vlahovic. The Serb was ruled offside, though, and the score didn’t change.   

Atalanta had their best chance from a sharp Ademola Lookman shot that hit the base of Mattia Perin’s right post, but Juve replied with a close-range screamer from substitute Fabio Miretti that made Carnesecchi’s woodwork rattle. 

As the match wound down and Juve prepared to lift the trophy, Allegri offered an unexpected show as he scored a red card from referee Fabio Maresca after protesting over an alleged foul on Gleison Bremer. He left the dugout livid, removing his tie and unbuttoning his shirt like a mad wrestler as he shouted “Where is Rocchi? Where is Rocchi?” (referee designator Gianluca Rocchi)

It seemed like he was the one losing the game, while his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini silently contemplated his Atalanta side missing their first chance to win a trophy this season. They will have one more shot next week as they take on Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League last act. 

MATCH SCORECARD

May 15, 2024 – Coppa Italia 2023/2024 Final
ATALANTA – JUVENTUS 0-1

SCORER: 4′ Vlahovic

REFEREE: Mr. Maresca from Naples
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Djimsiti (A), Vlahovic, Bremer (J); Red Card: Allegri (J); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 6′

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