Juventus trounce Milan to win Coppa Italia

ROME – Juventus coasted to a 4-0 victory against an error-ridden AC Milan side at the Stadio Olimpico to win their fourth consecutive Coppa Italia on Wednesday night.

 Medhi Benatia, broke the deadlock in the second-half with an inch-perfect header after Milan’s resistance held strong during the early stages of the game. The Juventus centre-half met Paolo Dybala’s corner unmarked and glanced the ball past the rooted Gianluigi Donnarumma.

 A couple of inexcusable blunders, however, from 19-year-old Milan goalkeeper gifted Juventus two cheap goals as the Turin giants began a stress-free stroll to the final-whistle.

 Douglas Costa’s strike should have been comfortably parried clear, but the young Italian let the shot slip through his hands, fumbling the ball over the goal line as Juventus doubled their lead.

 Benatia added to his tally soon after; the Moroccan was next to pounce as Donnarumma spilled Mario Mandzukic’s header, seemingly under no pressure.

 An own goal from Milan striker, Nikola Kalini, in the 76th minute left no doubt as to where the cup would be heading, as the Serie A leaders claimed the trophy for a record thirteenth time.

 A clean sheet for Gianluigi Buffon in first Coppa Italia final appearance since 1999, and most likely his last, meant that Juventus haven’t conceded a goal in this season’s cup competition.

 Massimiliano Allegri’s side can now clinch a domestic double, needing just a point in one of their two remaining league games to win a seventh consecutive Serie A title.

 Juventus return to the Italian capital on Sunday, hoping to continue their celebrations against a Roma side eyeing up Champions League qualification.

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