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Giorgio Chiellini (left) and Ivan Perišić: The two protagonists of the Coppa final evening in dialogue
Photo: CLAUDIO PERI / EPA
Former Bundesliga pro Ivan Perišić shot Inter Milan to victory in the Italian Soccer Cup with a brace in extra time.
The Croatian ensured the 4-2 (2-2, 1-0) win in the final against Juventus on Wednesday evening.
In front of 67,944 spectators in the Roman Olympic Stadium, the former soccer player from Dortmund, Wolfsburg and Bayern was successful first with a penalty kick (99th) and shortly afterwards with a long-range shot into the corner (102nd).
European champion Nicolò Barella gave Inter an early lead (6') before Juventus turned the game around after the break with two quick goals from Alex Sandro (50') and Dusan Vlahovic (52').
Former Leverkusen player Hakan Calhanoglu saved Milan in a fast-paced game with a penalty kick (80') into extra time.
In this, Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri saw the red card (104th).
Perišić complains about a lack of appreciation
After the final whistle, match winner Perišić was only in a limited mood to celebrate.
The 33-year-old midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season, and Inter sporting director Giuseppe Marotta was optimistic about an extension before the game started.
When asked about this, Perišić reacted much more cautiously and criticized the club leadership.
"That's not how you treat important players, you don't wait until the last moment," said Perišić, who is one of the regulars at the Nerazzuri.
"I feel like a leader here, and when the team is that strong, it's easier too." Perišić left open whether he would be part of this team after the summer.
The defeated Turiners are already certain that an icon will leave the club: Captain Giorgio Chiellini announced his departure at the end of the season after 18 years at Juventus.
“They were fantastic years.
Now it's the boys turn.
I gave everything and I hope to leave something behind," said the 37-year-old, who will also end his career in the Italian national team in the summer.
While Inter still have chances of the double from the championship and Coppa Italia, Juve will end a season without a title for the first time since 2011: Turin no longer has a chance in Serie A, in the Champions League they failed in the round of 16.
From 2012 to 2020, the championship title went to Juventus nine times in a row, but last year there was still a cup win to celebrate.
cev/dpa