3 key takeaways from Juventus’ Coppa Italia final defeat

Allegri’s cautious risk

It’s common for any side with a lead to deepen their defensive line and preserve what they have. But, to shut up shop with 23 minutes remaining? Allegri was playing with fire.

Leonardo Bonucci was introduced for the impressive Federico Bernardeschi which shifted Juve’s shape to a 5-2-3. Psychologically, the change had an immediate impact. Juve’s block sunk deeper and they ceded all control which meant they succumbed to sustained Inter pressure. Allegri had shown his hand 15 minutes too early, and he was made to pay.

Although, initially, Inter had trouble playing through the Bianconeri and were constantly forced to create via crosses. And with Bonucci now partnering Matthijs de Ligt and Chiellini in defence, Juve were well-stocked to deal with such a threat. It’s also worth noting that Edin Dzeko had left the field by this point, reducing Inter’s aerial capabilities.

Nevertheless, it was a delivery from the right that led to the key moment of the contest. Perisic drifted off Juan Cuadrado and met Denzel Dumfries’ back-post cross, sparking a moment of panic in the previously serene Juventus box as his header found Lautaro Martinez who earned the softest of penalty calls – more on that in a moment – after feeling contact.

"”After the 2-1 Juve went to play with five at the back, thinking only of defending without ever attacking. Question: Does it seem logical to you to bring the enemy into your area? I believe it’s more effective to keep it away. In Italy we have not yet understood this.” – Arrigo Sacchi post-match."

Hakan Calhanoglu levelled from the spot, rendering Allegri’s defensive ploy a total failure and he was forced to revert to a back four ahead of extra-time. But after Inter had equalised late on, the writing was on the wall for the Old Lady, who succumbed to more Perisic magic in the extended period.

Revolutionary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi was scathing in his assessment of Allegri’s in-game management, trying his utmost to bring about another philosophical debate over how the game should be played.

Allegri’s cautious risk didn’t come off, but it was a horrible penalty call that deemed his ploy a failure. So, you have to have some sympathy for the Juve manager, who was later sent off. But by inviting pressure, you’re increasing the risk of succumbing to moments as the Bianconeri did on Wednesday night.

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