08 May 2018
A LONG YEAR
"It’s been a tough long year and certainly an emotional one, that is undeniable. We risked ending the season trophyless, but we've rediscovered our focus and we're now confident of achieving our goals.
"We’ve been very alert and attentive these past two weeks over what could happen in the Scudetto race, now we are feeling moderately confident, but I challenge anyone to be feeling that way in the 86th minute at the San Siro.
"Our main strength is the ability to deliver heavy blows to our opponents even when it looks like all is lost. This has been the main thing that has always distinguished Juventus, especially in the past seven years and even this season has been a battle, yet we have always remained with our heads held high."
A GREAT OPPONENT
"Against a side like Milan I began to understand that you never start a match as favourites, since the 2003 Champions League final in Manchester.
"Together with my teammates I’ve played in four finals with Milan, two of them they won on penalties, one we won in extra-time and another we won on penalties. This shows that against Milan games hardly ever end after 90 minutes, because often there is a great balance between the two teams and I imagine tomorrow it will be the same thing. But in cup finals, fatigue does not exist, we are in the same boat as Milan, and we won't be looking for excuses."
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OCCASION
"It’s been almost 20 years since I last played in a Coppa Italia final, so the opportunity to play in another one is very simulating for me.
"Unlike 20 years ago there was never room for the other goalkeeper to play. I’d say that in the last six or seven years football has changed a lot and there is no longer the role of 'back-up keeper'. As now, at least with the big teams the second goalkeeper plays at least a dozen or 20 matches a season, not because they are not second goalkeepers but rather they are great goalkeepers who combine well with another great goalkeeper to form a great team."
