Juventus Advances to Coppa Italia Final with 2-1 Win Over Lazio

Juventus defeated Lazio 2-1 in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal on April 23, 2024, advancing to the final with a 3-2 aggregate victory. Lazio's Taty Castellanos scored twice to level the tie, but a late goal by Juventus substitute Arkadiusz Milik, assisted by Timothy Weah, secured the win for the record 14-time Coppa Italia champions. "Milik scored the decisive goal, capitalizing on Timothy Weah's cross to secure Juventus' place in the final," reported sources at the match.

Lazio took an early lead in the 12th minute through Castellanos' header and he scored again early in the second half to put the hosts ahead on the night. However, Milik's strike in the 83rd minute, just seconds after coming on as a substitute, proved to be the difference. Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin made a critical save to deny Castellanos a hat trick that would have sent Lazio through.

Why this matters: The Coppa Italia is a prestigious domestic cup competition in Italy. Juventus' advancement to the final keeps their hopes alive for a trophy this season amid recent struggles in Serie A league play. The win also guarantees Juventus a spot in next season's Italian Super Cup.

Juventus will face the winner of the other semifinal between Atalanta and Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final on May 15 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie suffered an apparent left ankle injury during the match but was able to return before being substituted. "McKennie limped off with an apparent left ankle issue but later returned to the match before being substituted," according to match reports.

The victory keeps Juventus on track for a record-extending 15th Coppa Italia title. Their last triumph in the competition came in 2021. Lazio was denied the opportunity to reach the final for the first time since 2019. Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri praised his team's resilience in overcoming Lazio's spirited performance to reach the final.

Key Takeaways

• Juventus defeated Lazio 2-1 in Coppa Italia semifinal, advancing 3-2 on aggregate.
• Lazio's Taty Castellanos scored twice, but Juventus' Arkadiusz Milik netted late winner.
• Juventus' win guarantees them a spot in next season's Italian Super Cup.
• Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie suffered an ankle injury but returned to the match.
• Juventus will face Atalanta or Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final on May 15.