SPORTS

PHOTOS: Super-sub Matri strikes to help Juventus win Italian cup

May 21, 2015 09:39 IST

Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini lifts the Italian Cup after defeating SS Lazio in the final at Olimpico Stadium in Rome on Wednesday. Photograph: Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

Substitute Alessandro Matri was the unlikely hero when he scored an extra-time winner to give Juventus a 2-1 win over Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday, keeping them on course for the treble.

Matri, who has changed clubs in each of the last four transfer windows and been a fringe player since returning to Juventus in January, blasted the ball into the roof of the net in the seventh minute of extra-time.

Alessandro Matri (left) celebrats with his Juventus FC teammates after scoring the winner. Photograph: Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

It was a record tenth Coppa title for Juventus, although their first since 1995. Having already won Serie A for a fourth successive season, Juventus will attempt to cap their season by winning the Champions League in the final against Barcelona on June 6.

Lazio took a shock lead after four minutes when Andrea Pirlo failed to cut out a free kick into the area and Stefan Radu rose to head the ball into the top of the net.

Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez of Juventus celebrate victory. Photograph: Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

Juventus needed only seven minutes to reply, central defender Giorgio Chiellini popping up to volley home from close range after Pirlo's floated free kick was knocked down by Paul Pogba.

Matri had a goal ruled out for offside late in the second half but made no mistake when Tevez’s shot rebounded at his feet in extra-time in a move set up by an incisive ball by Pirlo.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email