Juventus 2-4 Inter Milan: Player ratings as Perisic sinks Bianconeri in Coppa Italia final
Juventus fell to defeat in a thrilling Coppa Italia final on Wednesday night as Ivan Perisic struck twice in extra time to hand Inter Milan the cup.
The signs were ominous for Juve early on after Nicolo Barella gave Inter the lead with just seven minutes on the clock. The Nerazzurri asserted their dominance in the immediate aftermath, but the Bianconeri slowly grew into the contest and were unfortunate not to be level at half-time.
Juve were rewarded for their bold and aggressive display at the start of the second half as two goals in as many minutes turned the final on its head.
However, with over 20 minutes remaining and Juve still in control, Max Allegri opted to cede control to the champions by switching to a back five. Inter were then able to sustain pressure and they soon levelled after Lautaro Martinez won the softest of penalty calls. Hakan Calhanoglu dispatched the spot-kick with aplomb, and the two sides headed for extra-time.
After equalising late on, Inter were in the ascendency and they quickly took the lead in the added period following further VAR intervention. Matthijs de Ligt was adjudged to have clipped Stefan de Vrij in the box which handed Perisic the opportunity to give Inter the lead from 12 yards.
The Croatian sent Mattia Perin the wrong way before he put the contest beyond any reasonable doubt with a stunning left-footed strike as Inter prevailed by 4-2.
It was a final that had everything but a Juventus victory, and here are the Bianconeri player ratings from the defeat.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Mattia Perin (GK) – 5.5/10 – I mean, could he have done anything to deny Barella’s effort of Calhanoglu’s ridiculously brave spot-kick? Perin was beaten from the spot again in extra time.
Danilo (RB) – 4/10 – Forced off late on in the first half due to injury. Perisic had gotten the better of him once or twice before his withdrawal.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – 4.5/10 – A pretty clumsy performance from De Ligt all things considered. Unforced errors in possession and unnecessary fouls were frustrating features of his display. Oh, and he gave away the game-deciding penalty.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – 7.5/10 – Chiellini’s aggression played a crucial role in ensuring Juventus sustained pressure in the first half. Seemingly won all his duels on Wednesday night. A fine display from the departing stalwart.
Alex Sandro (LB) – 6/10 – Many were lamenting Alex Sandro’s performance before he contributed heavily to Juve’s equaliser at the start of the second half. The Brazilian defended astutely thereafter.