22 May 2016
With the game goalless after 109 minutes, Massimiliano Allegri opted to bring on an extra striker in the shape of Alvaro Morata – a bold attacking move which paid dividends when the Spaniard hit the match-winner just moments later.
Analysing his thoughts at the time, the Tuscan tactician explained: “I had an important decision to make in extra-time: whether to play for a penalty shootout or to have one last roll of the dice to secure victory. I went for the second option.
“In finals you need to play well but also have luck on your side. Tonight we did well to win an extremely complicated match. We faced a strong Milan side who performed better in the first half, while we grew into the encounter after the break, creating greater openings.”
On the back of a highly successful second campaign at the Bianconeri helm, Allegri preferred to credit his charges, colleagues and the club’s supporters for all pulling in the same direction towards the historic feats of securing five straight Serie A titles and two consecutive domestic doubles.
“I can only praise my players. It was not at all easy to keep concentration levels high after a month in which we virtually only had training sessions. We’ve now won three trophies this season, an achievement which leads me to thank the players, the club and the fans, who’ve been extraordinary again tonight.
“We now look forward to the next campaign which will present new challenges, namely the fight for a sixth straight Scudetto, retaining the Coppa Italia and performing well in the Champions League.”
