VLAHOVIC INSPIRES JUVENTUS TO GO OUT ON A HIGH

Dusan Vlahovic’s early goal proved enough to clinch Coppa Italia glory for Juventus as a 1-0 victory in Rome extended Gian Piero Gasperini’s wait for his first Atalanta trophy.

Juventus led inside just four minutes, Vlahovic showing strength and composure to hold off Isak Hien and finish after racing onto an Andrea Cambiaso through ball.

The Bianconeri defence held firm as Atalanta struggled to muster a response in the absence of suspended top scorer Gianluca Scamacca.

Both sides were denied by the woodwork late on, Ademola Lookman thumping the post and Fabio Miretti striking the bar, while Vlahovic had a second goal disallowed for the tightest of offsides as Juve claimed a deserved victory.

It offered a bright ending to an otherwise disappointing season and potentially the last trophy for Massimiliano Allegri, and the Bianconeri coach went out with a bang as he reacted to a stoppage-time red card by furiously ripping off his jacket and tie.

Juve extended their record Coppa Italia haul to 15 trophies, while Atalanta’s wait for their first since 1963 goes on and Gasperini will hope that the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen can finally deliver him a career-first trophy.