COPPA ITALIA – Juventus 2-2 AC Milan – ADP, Mirko, and 120 Minutes of Pure Spectacle!!!

Not content with a Scudetto race that is the closest we’ve seen in years, a war of words in the press over refereeing decisions (or non-calls), and some of the pettiest name-calling seen since we left high school, Juventus and AC Milan went toe-to-toe once more in a thrilling Coppa Italia Semi-Final that left every man on the field – and most watching in the stands or on television – breathless. This truly was a classic encounter with a little bit of everything: great goals, gritty tackles, exciting play, and a scoreline that meant it was never over until the full-time whistle blew. And much to everyone’s delight (Juventini especially), it came much later than 90 minutes… Adam and Marco combine to bring you the after-action report of Tuesday’s two-hour gem of a match.
 

MATCH ANALYSIS      (by Adam Digby)

As referee Daniele Orsato brought the proceedings to an end, we were left to survey the fallout of what everything cup football should be about: no quarter asked or given by either side, with scant regard for the two teams’ huge matches coming up this weekend. Yes, Antonio Conte left Gigi Buffon and Alessandro Matri out completely, and it is not too great a leap of faith to suggest Kevin-Prince Boateng or Ignazio Abate could have marked a return for the Rossoneri but, if anything, those absences – and even Allegri’s half-time removal of Ibrahimovic – only served to improve the spectacle on show at Juventus Stadium Tuesday night.

An early Sulley Muntari tackle on Stephan Lichtsteiner – and the subsequent arguments which immediately surrounded the pair – set the tone for what would be a hard-fought encounter, with both sides clearly wanting to secure a place in the Rome final in May. Clarence Seedorf, scorer of so many improbable goals for Milan over the years, came closest in the early exchanges with a superb effort that Marco Storari was relieved to see fade wide.

It would be left for the home side’s Captain to do what his opposite number failed to do: open the scoring. Drawing a combination of joy, tears, and unbridled passion when he rounded Marco Amelia and slotted home Lichtsteiner’s cross from the right (after Andrea Pirlo released the Swiss full-back yet again with a marvelous aerial through ball), Alessandro Del Piero showed there is truly and simply no age limit for class. Emotion and joy came flooding from the stands, the bench (where Antonio Conte was already in full voice) and the field, where ADP’s teammates were united in sheer delight at seeing the great man pen yet another page in the wonderfully rich history of his career.

From there the remainder of the first half would be played out at a furious tempo, neither side gaining the upper hand. It inevitably spilled over when Alberto Aquilani was booked for an extremely late tackle on Mirko Vucinic, the force of which resulted in his former Roma teammate land heavily into the advertising boards. The Montenegrin striker lost his cool, remonstrating with the ex-Liverpool midfielder and launching an incredible verbal tirade towards the referee, which only a screaming Del Piero was able to calm down.

The second period got off to a nightmare start for the Bianconeri, Simone Pepe completely switching off and allowing Djamel Mesbah to steal into the box unmarked and easily head home Phillipe Mexès’s long ball. Del Piero and Arturo Vidal would have half-chances to restore the lead, but the match was quickly becoming the MIRKO VUCINIC SHOW as the Montenegrin tormented the Milan defence at will, only to exact the same feeling to Juventus supporters as, after beating the Rossoneri defence time after time, he found either the side netting, the curva‘s third row, or the visiting goalkeeper’s gloves when it almost seemed easier to score (or pass to an open team-mate). Tuttosport’s description of him as “Juve’s Ibrahimovic” (following his stellar performance in Florence) had never felt so apt, as the forward put on the sort of display last seen in Black & White stripes by AC Milan’s current #11.

Another ex-Juventino came into the battle as old warhorse Pippo Inzaghi entered the fray, and gave his former fans that nagging doubt that the script had been written for another one of his enraged celebrations. Rather than the 38 year-old however, it was Maxi López – on at the interval in place of Zlatan – who did what the Swede seems incapable of doing: getting the better of Giorgio Chiellini. With the Juve man more interested in grappling than defending, the Argentine simply shrugged him off, rode a challenge and thundered an unstoppable shot past Storari that would grace the best highlight reel and send a stunned Juventus into extra time.

Marco Borriello (sporting a rather ridiculous moustache to add to an already-ridiculous haircut), Vidal, Inzaghi, and Seedorf all squandered half-chances, before Claudio Marchisio and Emanuele Giaccherini wasted superb opportunities to re-take the lead, the former failing to direct an Amelia-parried Vucinic shot goalbound, and the latter blowing an excellent one-on-one with the Milan keeper. For a while, it looked like those misses may have haunted Juve for weeks to come, as AC Milan progressively began to come back into the tie and push the Old Lady to the ropes.

And then it happened. The ball came to Mirko Vucinic about thirty meters out. Barely without looking, the Montenegrin swung his right boot and struck what can only be described as ‘an absolute rocket’ past the Milan goalkeeper, who had absolutely no chance of keeping it out. Arms raised, the forward looked around nonchalantly, as though he had been waiting for that moment, as if all the other misses this term were not worthy of his status as ‘Big Game Mirko’. As he has so many times before, he proved that the better the opposition and the higher the stakes, the better he gets.

It was the deciding goal that this match – and indeed this tie – truly deserved. It sends Juventus into what will be their first final since 2004 as they look to win a trophy which has, for a variety of reasons, eluded them since their 1995 victory over Parma. This year’s final, once again a one-off encounter after the previous two-legged format was abandoned, will take place on May 20 at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, site of some wonderful triumphs throughout Juve’s illustrious history.

It is just one more reason for fans of La Vecchia Signora to look forward to the Coppa Italia showpiece, where they have seen their side win 9 of the 14 finals they have contested. That it could bear witness to the first trophy of the Andrea Agnelli era (as well as the 10th Coppa victory and thus, silver star on the shirt) just makes it all the more sweeter.
 
 

In Conte We Trust!

 
 

LE PAGELLE      (by Adam Digby & Marco Pantanella)

Storari 6 – Not really at fault for either of the Milan goals. Had a nice fingertip save on Ibrahimovic in the first half, then a few confident grabs later on in the game. The “best reserve keeper in the country” was as solid & reliable as Conte said he would be.
 

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Lichtsteiner 7 – Right-back dynamo. Had an absolutely storming first half, roasting Mesbah on his side multiple times and capping it off with a great assist to Del Piero. Got tired and picked up a knock in the second period, eventually coming off for Cáceres. Much improved from his recent contributions.

(90′) Cáceres 6.5 – Came in right at the end of 90 minutes, with two very delicate halves of extra time to play. Covered his defensive duties well and nearly gave Milan another little souvenir, too bad his shot was deflected over the bar.

Bonucci 6.5 – A few mis-hit clearances aside, the much-maligned center-back passed as well as ever, making some good tackles coupled with a very attentive defensive game. Got roasted by Maxi López on the second Milan goal, but overall held the backline well.

Chiellini 6 – Similar to Bonucci on the Maxi goal (though whisper it quietly: Chiello hears everything!). Man-marked Ibrahimovic with his usual brilliant self (minus a dangerous FK conceded in the initial minutes, an isolated episode) and perhaps contributed to Allegri’s decision that 45 minutes of Zlatan were enough.

De Ceglie 6.5 – Not many offensive overlaps today (he and Antonini seemed happy to cancel each other out) but a very diligent defensive game, once again. For an area that’s always been Paolino’s weakness, he seems to be pretty effing good at it recently.
 

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Vidal 7 – A Warrior with a capital W, plain and simple. An invaluable amount of running and defending and an important offensive presence. Also frustrated Milan with his ability to a) earn vital rhythm-breaking free-kicks; b) dive; c) over-elaborate contact [delete as applicable].

Pirlo 7 – No direct assists this time, or brilliantly illuminating passes (you know, except the one that sent Lichtsteiner clear on the right to set up ADP’s goal… no biggie). Simply a whole lot of quality in the center, even (and especially) the defensive (!) kind.

Giaccherini 6 – Gets a 0.5 less for squandering THAT one-on-one chance on front of Amelia. Otherwise it’s tough to believe he lasted 120 minutes with the amount if running he did, though in truth it was a rare, somewhat ineffectual display from the ‘Little Goblin. Especially for the context of the match, as Giac24 has often been the game-winner in this year’s Coppa.

Pepe 5.5 – At fault on Mesbah’s goal, losing his man too easily. Despite some good passes and even a few decent crosses, a rather disappointing display from Simone (which has not been the case so often this season). Replaced just after the hour mark by Marchisio.

(63′) Marchisio 6 – Didn’t do much to alter the game after coming on, though he did “set up” Vucinic for his match-winning wondergoal (and almost gave him another in the 120th minute, which Mirko squandered). Positives? He’s nicely rested and saving a good performance for Sunday’s visitors…

Del Piero 7 – The spark of genius that’s always sure to illuminate Juventus Stadium. In an unusual Trezeguet/Matri-esque lone-prima punta role, Pinturicchio put himself at the service of his teammates. Relayed passes, exchanged balls in close quarters, and put the entire crowd on their feet with a marvelous, clinical finish for Juve’s first goal. Two schools of thought here: a) the Captain is always excellent when Conte plays him, and therefore needs more playing time; OR b) he is always excellent precisely because Conte uses him so sparingly. You know what? Who cares. All we want is to see that celebratory tongue more often!!!!!

(73′) Borriello 5 – Did have a few decent efforts that were either too weak or well-saved by Amelia, but let’s face it: he should get ‘Minus 84′ for the hair/stache combo alone. And shooting that one-on-one chance straight at Amelia was just… criminal! After the game, SkyTG24 and Tuttomercatoweb reported Juve will not be exercising their option to buy him from Roma. If so, someone needs to tell Conte because he keeps using the guy every damn game!

Vucinic 9 – Too high? Hardly. Forget (if you can) the match-winning wondergoal, that fantastic moment of sheer power/top-corner genius that gave Juve their first real chance to contend some silverware since Calciopoli. Simply put, nearly 99% of Juve’s offensives tonight passed through Mirko’s feet. A *constant* thorn in the side of the Milan backline, and by far the Montenegrin’s best performance wearing a Juve shirt (yes, even better than his match against Fiorentina).
 

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Conte 7 – I think it’s quite fair to postulate there were many a Juventino ready to cover our coach in expletives, for taking ADP out and bringing Borriello in (just have a look at Marco’s PbP). With the distinct fear the sub would come back to bite Juve in the ass, sure enough shortly after, Milan get another goal and send the game into ET. Minus that substitution though, you gotta give Conte some credit for continuing to play offensively through all of the 120 minutes and not succumbing to the temptation of shutting up shop at the back (Ranieri/Delneri-style). Also out-coached Allegri once again, getting the formation, the balance of his side, and the match tempo completely SPOT ON. The clearest sign of Conte’s impact at the club came at the half of extra time: as Milan stood around in ones and twos, Juventus rushed to their coach, as a group, as a team. HIS team.

PLAY-BY-PLAY      (by Marco Pantanella)

 

1st Half:
Storari
Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie
Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini
Pepe, Del Piero, Vucinic

 

•	Juve lining up with a 4-3-3 again. Chiellini returns in central defense, alongside Bonucci. Giaccherini replaces Marchisio (on the bench) in midfield.
•	The big star of the night though of course is capitan Alessandro Del Piero, who will lead the front of the Juve attack alongside Mirko & Pepper.
•	Great atmosphere at Juventus Stadium. Big chants in the stands for ADP, a few smaller ones for Mirko Vucinic.
1′	Referee Daniele Orsato officiates. And we’re off!
3′	Milan playing determined. Two long balls towards Antonini and Ibrahimovic cleared/saved by De Ceglie & Storari respectively.
4′	Another long ball towards Ibra on the left, this time wide into space and into the Juve box! It’s only an inch too long for Zlatan to control. Big danger Milan.
5′	Genius backheel by Mirko for Vidal inside the Milan box. Arturo with the low cross! Intercepted!
6′	Pirlo brought down on the edge of the Milan box. No foul says Orsato.
7′	Ibrahimovic covered by boos of the Juventus crowd every time he touches the ball. Don’t think it’ll affect him too much though…
8′	Speedy exchange on the right wing between Pepe and Del Piero. The triangle pass is intercepted just before It filters back to ADP, who had made the run into space!
11′	Aerial through ball by Aquilani to Antonini. Bonucci clears inside his box.
13′	Fake-shot Zlatan just on the edge of the Juve area. Chiellini dives into the tackle and brings Ibra down. FK Milan from very dangerous position, and a dodged yellow card for Keyser Giorgio.
14′	Off the FK, Ibrahimovic tries to surprise everyone with a quick shot. Straight into the wall.
16′	Vucinic and the rest of Juventus very active and mobile on their pressuring. Mirko almost steals the ball away from Antonini.
16′	Yellow card Muntari for a nasty, studs-up challenge on Lichtsteiner. Allegri is furious with the 4th official. He wanted a card for Chiellini’s foul on Ibra just a few minutes earlier, but Muntari’s lucky to get away with a yellow here. Conte seen muttering: “they even have the courage to complain…“.
21′	Zlatan wreaking havoc in the Juve box! After a bad Lichtsteiner clearance, Ibrahimovic retrieves the ball, gets past Pirlo, fires it low towards Storari’s far post! The goalkeeper gets a touch on it and deflects into corner!!
23′	Centrally, Mirko tries to slalom his way in all by himself. Gets past a few players but is eventually stopped.
24′	Now Vucinic again, trading passes with ADP, back to Mirko who tries his luck from mid-range! But it’s too weak to worry Amelia.
25′	SEEDORF!!!! Very dangerous long-range effort from the Dutch midfielder, who swerves out and not very far from the top-right corner!
27′	GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL JUVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! Alessandro DEL PIEROOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
27′	The Goal: Fantastic work on the right side by Lichtsteiner, who chases after a ball with Mesbah and backheels it to Pepe. Play continues and eventually it’s passed back to Pirlo, who shields, turns, and sends a perfect aerial through pass towards Lichtsteiner!! In the middle ADP muscles off Mexès, receives Licht’s pass by flicking it sideways past Amelia, and deposits it into the empty net!!! 1-0 Juventus!!!
29′	Juve off on the counter again!! ADP fouled in midfield, ref waves play on as the ball lands to Giaccherini, who opens for Mirko on the left. The Montenegrin puts it back on his right foot, but his low shot is well-saved by Amelia!
31′	Another very dangerous play in Milan territory. Ball sent to Pepe inside the area on the right, his counter-cross eludes all of the Milan defenders… and Juve strikers, eventually getting recovered by Vucinic near the goal line. But Mirko’s too cheeky this time: with an impossible angle, he turns and tries to chip Amelia to the far post. Straight at the keeper.
35′	Yellow card Aquilani. Nasty, late tackle by Alberto on Vucinic who’d gotten away from him near the touchline. Mirko stays on the ground. This was a borderline red card right there.
35′	Still lots of Juve complaints to the referee who strangely, after all is over, decides to resume play with… a drop ball?? Presumably because the ball had stayed into play, and Orsato had blown his whistle to allow Mirko to receive medical assistance.
38′	Yellow card Vucinic, probably for dissent as the forward is still visibly angry about that Aquilani tackle.
42′	ADP skill near the touchline, evading Seedorf’s pressure, turning him, then earning a foul.
43′	Brrrrr… shivers!! El Shaarawy skips past Chiellini’s challenge and sends a dangerous low cross from the right. Bonucci intercepts and Storari can eventually clutch it to his chest. Moderate scare there…
45′	Pirlo from long-range, left-footed effort. Low and no trouble for Amelia.
46′	DEL PIERO!!!! Pinturicchio at the start and at the finish!! Steals the ball off Seedorf, starts a Juve turnover that sends the ball to Vucinic. Mexès and Thiago Silva get in a tangle and Mirko can retrieve it just at the goal-line, on the right side of the area. He waits, sends in a cross towards Vidal, the Chilean heads it wide and ADP almost gets a winning redirect near the left post!!
46′	After one minute of stoppage time, referee blows for half-time. Very exciting stuff at Juventus Stadium!!

2nd Half:
Storari
Lichtsteiner(90′ Cáceres), Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie
Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini
Pepe(63′ Marchisio), Del Piero(74′ Borriello), Vucinic

 

46′	Substitution Milan: Maxi López comes on for… Ibrahimovic. Even though Zlatan had been struggling with a slight fever, incomprehensible switch by Allegri here who takes off his most dangerous man.
48′	Juve content in letting Milan come to them now it seems. They’re sitting 3-1 up on aggregate, Milan needs two goals to send the game into extra time.
49′	Interesting triangle attempt from Mirko to ADP on the edge of the Milan box, return pass is intercepted
51′	Goal Milan. Mesbah. :/
51′	The Goal: Man-marking fail by Juve, specifically Pepe. Mexès long ball from 30 yards towards the left, Pepe lets Mesbah get ahead of him and the Algerian has all the time in the world to power a diving header into the back of the net. 1-1
54′	Juve a bit under shock from the goal. Milan have visibly grown in confidence.
56′	Yellow card Seedorf for a late challenge on Vucinic.
57′	Great cover by Vidal to stop El Shaarawy, following a dangerous Milan counter.
58′	Sideline report: Conte asking Marchisio to intensify his warm-up. Looks like he might be the first Juve sub to enter the fray here.
60′	Pirlo foul on Maxi López. FK Milan, 30 yards out in front of the Juve goal.
61′	From the FK, Seedorf slides it sideways for Thiago Silva’s powerful drive. Deflected by Del Piero rushing forward.
63′	Substitution Juve: Marchisio comes on for Pepe. Giaccherini will shift into the attacking trident.
65′	OMG… Long Antonini cross from the right, tries to find Muntari just in front of goal. Lichtsteiner somehow “controls” the path of the ball into goal kick, but what a scare!!!
66′	Off the other end, Del Piero storms away on the left and into the Milan box!! His low cross towards Marchisio is desperately cleared away by Thiago Silva!!
67′	VUCINIC!!! Mirko magic inside the box, skips past Antonini, fakes a shot with his right, returns to his left past Mexès and fires off a howitzer at the first post!! Just a yard wide!!!
68′	Substitution Milan: Nocerino comes on for Aquilani, who steps off under a torrent of boos.
68′	Muntari from long range. Very powerful, but straight at Storari.
69′	End-to-end stuff!! Now Juve with a good opportunity to go on the counter, but Pirlo’s pass is intercepted.
70′	VUCINIC again!!! Storming away on the left he gets past Antonini inside the box, but his low cross is tackled by the Milan right-back.
71′	Mid-range Marchisio effort. Takes a bounce in front of Amelia, who saves it well.
72′	Havoc inside the Juve box, with El Shaarawy turning Bonucci with a fortunate bounce, but then finding his path blocked by Chiellini.
73′	Borriello getting ready on the Juve sideline. Looks like a sub for ADP. Groan… I pray you don’t regret this Antonio…
74′	Substitution Juve: Borriello comes on for Del Piero. Standing ovation by the Juventus Stadium. Del Piero thanks the supporters, but has difficulty hiding his disappointment for coming off. Especially since Conte asked him if he had the lungs to keep going, just a few minutes earlier (ADP said “yes”).
76′	From “Nonno Ale” to “Nonno Pippo”: Inzaghi taking off his tracksuit on the Milan sideline.
77′	Substitution Milan: Filippo Inzaghi comes on for El Shaarawy. Lots of boos for Pippo as well, but mostly because his goals scare the shit out of us.
78′	Antonini almost sends it into his own net following a Pirlo long FK. Corner Juve.
79′	Speculative Vucinic effort from outside the box, left-footed half-volley miles over. The first mistake of the night for Mirko.
79′	Long cross Milan from the right, Muntari header over the bar!!! My heart skipped a beat.
82′	Yellow card Inzaghi for dissent.
80′	Yellow card Borriello for a kick on Mexès. The history between these two continues…
81′	Goal Milan. Maxi López.
81′	The Goal: Maxi receives the ball back to goal, turns Chiellini with his first touch, skips past Bonucci on his second, fires off a cannonball under the crossbar. 2-1 Milan. Congratulations Conte, you just fucked us again with that Borriello sub.
82′	Yellow card Storari for dissent.
86′	BORRIELLO… Pirlo to Giaccherini, through ball to Borriello who times his run perfectly and is clear on goal. He waits way too long to fire, and has his shot parried away by Amelia into corner. I am speechless…
88′	Muntari effort from 35 yards. Miles over the bar.
90′	The end-to-end stuff continues, with some dangerous Milan ball circulation around the Juve box. Cleared eventually, De Ceglie storms away on the left and tries to find Borriello. Intercepted. Back to the other end. Seedorf blasts it from long-range. Low and wide.
90′	Substitution Juve: Cáceres comes on for Lichtsteiner, coming off limping.
90′	THREE MINUTES OF ADDED TIME.
93′	Cáceres low cross, Vidal tries a diving header from 18 yards!! Not enough power to trouble Amelia.
93′	Heart-attack!! Maxi cross towards Inzaghi at the right post. Pippo gets a touch in just before it goes out, no one in the middle to redirect! Bonucci scrambles it away!!
94′	VUCINIC!!!!! Mid-range effort that ends inches wide of the right post with a slight deflection! Corner CK! Last kick fof the game!
95′	VUCINIC AGAIN!!! CK cleared by the Milan defense onto the edge box, Mirko controls it, skips past a challenge, fires off a shot just a yard over the crossbar!!!!!!!!!!
95′	FULL-TIME. After 90 minutes aggregate score reads 3-3. We are going to EXTRA TIME here at Juventus Stadium. I don’t know if my heart can take it…

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EXTRA TIME – 1st HALF

90′	Sideline report: Buffon being called upon from the stands to fire up Borriello! Meanwhile Inzaghi, who had stomach cramps just a bit earlier, returns to the field.
91′	VUCINIC!! Low mid-range effort, parried by Amelia!!! Marchisio arrives for the rebound but can’t direct it goalbound!!!!!!!! What a chance!!!
92′	Marchisio again!!! Storms away on the left!! Low cross towards Borriello in the middle, he turns, fires off his shot, but it’s too weak and Amelia gets down to save!!!
93′	AAAAAAAAARGHHHHHHHHHHHH GIACCHERINIIIIIIIIIIIII!! All alone in front of Amelia, he tries to go around him but the goalkeeper gets his fingertips on the ball and swats it away!! Mila clear!! OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
94′	CÁCERES!!!!!!!!!!! After some more Mirko magic on the left, ‘El Pelado’ receives the ball outside the Milan box just like in the first leg!! This time his shot is deflected over the bar by a last-ditch tackle from Mesbah!!
95′	Borriello tries to penetrate in from the left. Stopped by Antonini.
96′	GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL JUVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! MIRKOOOOOOOOOOOOOO VUCINIIIIIIIIIIIIIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
96′	HOLY MOTHER OF GOD WHAT A GOAL!!!!!!!!!
96′	The Goal: Marchisio to Vucinic in the center, about 30 yards out. Mirko gets a touch, rolls it to himself and with almost no run-up, fires off a WONDERGOAL inside the top-right corner of Amelia’s net!!!!!!!!!!! 2-2!!!!!!!!!!!
96′	Buffon literally running onto the pitch after that goal, executing a PRIMAL SCREAM to celebrate!!!
97′	OMG OMG OMG OMG WHAT A GAME!!!!!!!!!!!
98′	Giaccherini could storm away alone on the right, stopped by a Mexès tackle.
100′	LOL!!! Conte giving directions (asking his defense to PLAY the ball, not just clear it) but since he’s got no voice left he has assistant Angelo Alessio to do the screaming for him!! This apparently has been going on since the 60th minute!!!
102′	Yellow card Thiago Silva for a late challenge on Vidal.
103′	PIRLO TACKLE on Seedorf! Cleanly clears the ball. Now Cáceres imitates him on Inzaghi!!! THAT’S HOW IT’S DONE BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!
104′	ArghhhhhhH! Ref stops a promising Giaccherini run for a supposed Borriello foul on Mexès. The forward had shielded the ball to allow Giac’s overlap.
105′	HT of ET. Teams will switch sides and resume play right away.
105′	Conte gathering all his players around him. Vehemently giving directions. Now he lifts up his arms to rile up the Juventus stadium crowd!!!

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EXTRA TIME – 2nd HALF

105′	Back for another 15 minutes. I’ve already called Medicare and asked to be put on the heart transplant list.
107′	Shivers again, as the Juve defense struggle to clear and Vidal almost loses it to Maxi before earning a foul.
107′	Angelo Alessio, Conte’s assistant, has been sent off by referee Orsato. Too vocal I guess. Who will Conte use to yell at his players now?
109′	More shivers for Juve, after a Cáceres mistimed control inside his box (following a Bonucci diving header clearance) almost turns into a shot for Milan. Vidal retrieves it and earns a foul.
110′	Yellow card Mexès for dissent.
112′	Yellow card Vidal for a late challenge from behind on Emanuelson. Borderline red card. Vidal is very very lucky here.
112′	STORARI!!! Aerial save off that Milan FK, holds the ball well!!!
113′	BORRIELLO!! Receives from Mirko just on the edge of the box, fires off a rotating side-volley that Amelia parries, then smothers.
114′	Good God. My heart can’t take it. A hard Seedorf shot deflects to Inzaghi on the right inside the box, his first touch carries him wide and Juve can close him down. Play continues, Juventus defense scrambles and eventually clears.
115′	CK Juve, well-shielded by Borriello. Juve can waste a few more seconds here. Pirlo fires off the CK directly off a Milan defender. Another corner for Juve.
116′	More seconds wasted by Pirlo, who holds the ball and then earns a foul.
117′	Unbelievable decision by the referee, with Giaccherini near the corner flag literally pummeled with kicks from Mesbah, yet somehow turning this into a FK for Milan. Right in front of the linesman too!
118′	FK Milan at the half. All of the Rossoneri moving up, Amelia’s 40 yards out of his box. Instead of sending it long, Milan pass it short towards Seedorf, the cross is eventually sent in and CLEARED by the Juve defense!!!
119′	Throw-in Juve. Good God, my heart is kaputt.
120′	FK Juve for a Mesbah foul near the touchline. More seconds gained.
120′	ONE MINUTE OF INJURY TIME
120′	Vucinic storms away on the left wing, exchanges with Marchisio, Mirko still clear on the left and into the box!!! But he keeps it too long, allowing Thiago Silva’s last-ditch clearance!! Milan even earn a foul out of it!
121′	IT’S ALL OVER!!!!! JUVENTUS DRAW MILAN 2-2 AND QUALIFY FOR THE COPPA ITALIA FINAL!!!!!!!!!!!

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	JUVENTUS-MILAN 2-2 AET (1-2 FT)
GOALSCORERS: 28′ Del Piero (J), 51′ Mesbah (M), 81′ Maxi López (M), 96′ Vucinic (J)
JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Storari – Lichtsteiner (90′ Cáceres), Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie – Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini – Pepe (63′ Marchisio), Del Piero (74′ Borriello), Vucinic. COACH: Conte. (UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Manninger, Padoin, Estigarribia, Quagliarella).
MILAN (4-3-1-2): Amelia – Antonini, Mexès, Thiago Silva, Mesbah – Aquilani (68′ Nocerino), Seedorf, Muntari – Emanuelson – Ibrahimovic (46′ Maxi López), El Shaarawy (78′ F.Inzaghi). COACH: Allegri. (UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Abbiati, Yepes, Bonera, Gattuso).

 

 

EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS (Arabic commentary)