A week on from lifting the club’s fifth successive Scudetto title, Paul Pogba and company will look to create yet more history when they take on Milan in Saturday’s Coppa Italia final in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
A Bianconeri victory would mark the first ever domestic double of league and cup triumphs in consecutive seasons by an Italian side as well as extend the club’s record tally of Coppa crowns to 11.
Just prior to setting off from Turin to the country’s capital city, Juve’s midfield star previewed the end-of-season showpiece event with one eye on aspirations for the following campaign.
Keeping calm in the capital
“We must not think that we’re favourites against Milan. On the contrary, we need to be very humble and to know that in one-off matches like these the strongest sides do not always win.
“We need to approach the game with clear heads. A final is a final after all and both teams will be going for the victory. It will be a very difficult match, but if we show the necessary mental and physical toughness then we can be successful.
“We’ll see who’s the hungrier side on the night, but what I can say is that we’re eager to go down in history as the first team to win a domestic double in successive seasons.”
Reaping rewards and responsibility
“My performances have perhaps been more decisive than in previous seasons and I’m very happy to have set a new personal record for combined goals and assists (10 and 16 respectively in all competitions this term).
“I feel a greater responsibility now, especially after the departures of (Andrea) Pirlo and (Arturo) Vidal with whom I played for three whole years.”
Learning lessons for next year
“Matches such as those against Bayern Munich this season will see us better prepared for the challenges we’ll face in next year’s competition.
“For me, a sure sign of the collective growth of this side will be that of going out to try to win the Champions League.”