Coppa Italia trophy is going to Naples this season after Napoli claimed 4-2 win on penalties against Juventus in the final match on Wednesday night.
During the first 90 minutes of the match, Napoli was the better side, but Juve’s veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon kept the reigning Seria A champions alive with several masterful saves. After the regular time finished scoreless, two times proceeded to determine the winner on penalties as there was no extra-time under the new rules.
Juve missed its first two penalty shots, as Alex Meret saved Paulo Dybala shot while Brazilian back Danilo sent the ball in the stands. Napoli made all four of their penalties and emerged victorious.
This was Napoli’s sixth Coppa Italia win and their first trophy since 2014. It was also the first trophy for Gennaro Gattuso in his managerial career.
“Whoever does this job must have respect for it,” Gattuso told Rai Sport after the game. “We are lucky. This is why I get angry; there must be passion, respect, seriousness. Then there is a God of football who rewards you when you work well.”
With this win, Napoli secured themselves a place in Europa League next season. They currently sit at the sixth place in Seria A and are unlikely to reach the UEFA Champions League spot, considering they have nine points less than fourth-placed Atalanta.
Juventus, on the other hand, sits at first place with 63 points, which is one point more than their closest follower Lazio.
