12 June 2020
These are the words of the Juventus coach and defender after having been away from the field for many weeks. It was a night which saw Juventus qualify for the Coppa Italia final in Rome.
LEONARDO BONUCCI
"The important thing was to go through and go reach next week’s objective. They are strange emotions, in an empty stadium, especially after a long time. We had to leave behind a dark moment, and to give some joy. This is why we dedicate our qualification to our fans, and we hope we can make another dedication on Wednesday.
The match? We started well, then we lost our tempo and we were stretched. Also, Milan played a good game and they didn't break down with 10 against 11.
But let's look at the glass half full: we didn't win but the objective was to reach the Final. Ronaldo's mistake? Even the big players make mistakes, it was unfortunate but for us it is fundamental in all situations. From now on, we will see a great Juve and a great Ronaldo.”
MAURIZIO SARRI
"It's a great feeling to be back on the bench and seeing the team on the field after three months, even if we missed the fans. It was not easy for anyone.
The team satisfied me a lot in the first 30 minutes, with great dominance and then we dropped in rhythm and mental intensity, but at this point in time, the games present a lot of risks. The players have been on their sofas for weeks, and so getting them back to complete physical and mental efficiency is not simple or automatic. It is much worse than a pre-season situation, because in that case, the players are less firm and above all remain active. It will take a little patience, but tonight's premise, in the first half hour, was important. Ronaldo? He made himself available, he also suffered a bit towards the end but played the match that needed to be done. The missed penalty was unfortunate. Who would I like to meet in the final? Tomorrow will be a good game, but the important thing is that for now we are here."
