15 May 2017
CUP RUN SO FAR: LAST 16 VS ATALANTA
“I felt really happy that night because it was my very first start for the club. The Coppa Italia is an objective of ours this season, so we were really determined to reach the next round and that’s what we managed to do.”
QUARTER-FINAL VS MILAN
“Besides the desire to avenge our defeat in the Super Cup final in Doha, we especially wanted to progress to the next round and keep up our pursuit of the trophy. Milan were in excellent form, but we put in a top performance and reached the semi-finals”
SEMI-FINAL 1ST LEG VS NAPOLI
“We were playing well, but conceded the opening goal. Nonetheless, we kept calm and got the goals that enabled us to take a first-leg lead to Naples where we knew it would be a tough game. This is Juventus’ strength: to stay composed and always believe in yourself.”
SEMI-FINAL 2ND LEG VS NAPOLI
“That week, Gonzalo (Higuain) was very calm. It wasn’t easy for him to play in that environment at the San Paolo, but he coped brilliantly and ultimately was decisive for us. When he’s in that kind of form, he’s devastating.”
...AND NOW LAZIO IN THE FINAL
“Lazio are going very well in the league and we’ll need to give everything we’ve got. Up front they’ve some very fast players, who are dangerous in one-on-one situations. In midfield they’ve Lucas Biglia who boasts great positional sense.
“In general, they’re enjoying an excellent season and they’re in the final, so they deserve enormous respect. We’ll have to stay very compact and go there with all guns blazing because the Coppa Italia is an objective of ours and we’ll be playing to win.”
PUSHING FOR THE FINISH LINE
“It’s a special feeling to be within reach of multiple targets. We need to be focused because right now we haven’t won anything yet. When you’ve got the finish line in sight, you have to accelerate and not lose concentration in any of the competitions you’re fighting for.”
“I FEEL LIKE I’VE BEEN HERE AGES ALREADY”
“Since joining Juventus, I’ve always been grateful to my team-mates who’ve been very welcoming to me. It feels like I’ve been here for a very long time already.
“What distinguishes the Bianconeri from the other teams is our mental strength. We never take our foot off the gas. Every day, we’re striving to win. It’s one thing to say it, but it’s another to be here and see how everyone working here is extremely disciplined and has that will to win that has led to so much success at this club.”
