ROME (AFP)
Mirko Vucinic's extra-time strike sent Juventus into their first
Italian Cup final since 2004 following a 2-2 draw with AC Milan
on Tuesday, giving them a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Milan had forced extra-time by leading 2-1 after 90 minutes but
ultimately paid for their semi-final, first leg defeat at home
last month.
Veteran Alessandro Del Piero had given Juve a first-half lead but
second period goals from Djamel Mesbah, his first for Milan, and
Maxi Lopez forced the extra period.
Vucinic's goal ensured Juve still have not been beaten this
season in 32 games, although they would have lost had the match
ended after 90 minutes.
Milan started the game knowing they didn't just need to win but
also needed at least two goals.
They certainly made the early running but created little of any
danger.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit a cross-cum-shot with little power that
seemed to surprise Marco Storari in the Juve goal, but he pushed
it away.
Thiago Silva then came up for a corner but headed over when well
placed.
Veteran Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf set his sights from
distance and had a whack but couldn't find the target.
The only moment of true quality in the first half came from the
hosts and resulted in the deadlock being broken.
Andrea Pirlo chipped the ball down the right for the overlapping
Stephan Lichsteiner, who centred for Del Piero to nip in front of
Marco Amelia, dink it over the 'keeper and slot into the empty
net.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri seemed almost to throw in the
towel at half time and start to look to future league commitments
as he removed star player Ibrahimovic and thrust on Maxi Lopez.
However, Milan hit back in surprising fashion as centre-back
Philippe Mexes launched a long ball over the defence and
full-back Mesbah lost his marker Simone Pepe to send a diving
header into the top corner, leaving Storari helpless.
Vucinic, who was having one of his more dazzling days, lacked a
finish as he waltzed into the area but hit the side-netting with
his shot.
But Allegri was proved right nine minutes from time as Maxi Lopez
brilliantly held off Giorgio Chiellini on the edge of the box,
turned his man, beat Leonardo Bonucci with quick feet and fired,
with limited backlift, an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Former Milan player Marco Borriello should have won it for Juve
late on but having beaten the offside trap to run onto Emanuele
Giaccherini's through ball, he first stumbled, losing the
opportunity to shoot with his favoured left, and then shot weakly
with his right, allowing Amelia to save easily.
The hosts could have buried the tie in the first few minutes of
extra-time but Milan somehow survived.
Amelia saved from Borriello and Claudio Marchisio then sent the
follow-up off target with the goal gaping.
Vucinic hit a stunning reverse pass to put Giaccherini in
one-on-one but Amelia timed his dive at the forward's feet to
perfection.
Martin Caceres's shot was then deflected off target but on 96
minutes Vucinic finally found the net with a rocket from distance
into the top corner.
Milan pushed late on but couldn't find the grandstand finish they
needed.
