Chiellini: ‘I will say goodbye to Juventus, Inter were stronger’

Giorgio Chiellini confirms he is leaving Juventus this summer and tips his hat to the winners after the Coppa Italia Final. ‘Inter proved throughout the season they are stronger.’

It was a dramatic Coppa Italia Final at the Stadio Olimpico, with Nicolò Barella opening the scoring within seven minutes, then Alex Sandro and Dusan Vlahovic turned it around.

A debatable Hakan Calhanoglu penalty forced extra time, allowing Ivan Perisic to take centre-stage with two goals, including another spot-kick.

Juve also lost to Inter in Serie A and in extra time for the Supercoppa Italiana.

“It’s disappointing, especially as Inter certainly had more of the ball, but we had more than enough chances. Mattia Perin basically didn’t have to make a save, we conceded two fantastic goals and two penalties.

“Inter proved throughout the season they are stronger in all the head-to-head clashes, so that means something. I hope the anger of losing three out of four games against Inter will fire us up for next season.

“We know that you don’t win a Scudetto just in the big games, but every day. It’s a pity to end the season without trophies after a decade, but we need to use it as fuel for next season.”

It is the first season since 2010-11 that has Juventus empty-handed, the campaign under Gigi DelNeri.

INTER MILAN ARE THE 2021/22 COPA ITALIA CHAMPIONS

Six goals were scored in a Coppa Italia final for the first time since Roma beat Inter 6-2 in 2007

Inter Milan came from behind against Juventus to clinch a first Coppa Italia since 2011 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Hakan Calhanoglu’s 80th-minute penalty forced extra time and Ivan Perisic scored twice in three minutes as Inter lifted the cup for the eighth time.

Nicolo Barella’s superb strike had put Inter ahead after six minutes.

But holders Juventus scored twice in quick succession through Alex Sandro and Dusan Vlahovic to turn the game around early in the second half.

Defeat ended record 14-time winners Juventus’ hopes of a trophy this season – the first time that has happened since 2010-11.

Serie A title chasers Inter, who are second and two points behind city rivals AC Milan with two games to go, had not reached the final of the competition since their previous triumph 11 years ago.

Barella gave Inter the perfect start when he curled a sublime right-foot shot into the top corner after cutting inside from the left to score the fastest Coppa Italia final goal since 2015.

Samir Handanovic produced a fine save to deny Vlahovic and Paulo Dybala shot wide as Juventus chased an equaliser before the break.

But Massimiliano Allegri’s side were ahead within seven minutes of the restart thanks to goals from Sandro and Vlahovic, who followed up his own saved effort after a quick counter-attack.

Calhanoglu held his nerve to force extra time after Lautaro Martinez was brought down by Leonardo Bonucci, and Perisic then stepped up from the penalty spot to put Inter back in front after 99 minutes.

Perisic added a stunning fourth just three minutes later, taking a touch before firing into the top corner from the edge of the box to put the contest out of Juventus’ reach.

Inter will now face Cagliari and Sampdoria in their final two league games as they pursue a domestic double.