Juventus Turin are through to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia after a 6-1 win over Salernitana. After falling behind early on, the Bianconeri turned on the heat and were able to rely on the young guns
Juventus Turin had been unbeaten since September of last year and wanted to continue this streak in their first competitive game of 2024 – but got off to the worst possible start in their clash with the Serie A bottom club. Gatti, one of only four players Massimiliano Allegri had to start again compared to the 1-0 win against Roma, made a huge mistake in the very first minute of the game and set up Ikwuemesi, who easily scored to give the underdogs the lead.
Miretti and Cambiaso turn the game around
Not much more came from US Salernitana, who Pippo Inzaghi had even made nine changes after the 1-0 defeat at Hellas Verona. The Old Lady shook themselves briefly, took control of the game and responded after just over ten minutes through Miretti (12′), before seemingly having a great opportunity to take the lead just six minutes later. However, after Zambia’s clear foul on Gatti, the VAR stepped in and conceded the penalty as the first contact of the goal had taken place just outside the penalty area.
However, the dominant home side were not deterred by this. Chiesa, Miretti, Cambiaso and co. kept on running and only just missed a possible 2:1 when the former’s shot was a little too inaccurate (28′). However, I Granata were unable to withstand the pressure for much longer. After an extended corner, Cambiaso found himself all alone at the second post and put the runners-up in the lead (35′). The visitors were still well served at the break, as Miretti missed a great chance to score a third goal shortly before half-time (43′).
Rugani is spot on
After the break, nothing changed at the Allianz Stadium. Miretti registered the first warning shot (48′) before Rugani almost unwillingly brought about the preliminary decision. After Milik’s powerful header, Salerno keeper Fiorillo placed the ball in his path in such a way that the Juve defender had no other option than to push the rebound over the line (54′).
In the closing stages of what had been an entertaining game up to that point, it almost seemed as if both sides had settled for the result. There were no serious attacking efforts again until Salerno invited the Old Lady, who struck promptly: Substitute Yildiz failed to beat Fiorillo, from whom the leather bounced off Bronn’s leg – 4:1 (75′).
Yilmaz and Weah finish fantastically
However, this goal was not the final goal. In the final minutes, both Regensburg-born Yildiz and summer newcomer Weah were keen to show their talents again and scored two dream goals to make the final score 6:1. Yildiz left three opponents standing during his solo run and scored (88′), before the US-American put the final touch on the game with a magnificent shot from distance (90.+1).
