Alessio: Juve had winning desire

Posted Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by ESPN

Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio has praised the squad for the determination they displayed in their Coppa Italia victory over AC Milan.

The semi-final clash took 120 minutes to conclude, as Alessandro Del Piero's opening goal was cancelled out by strikes from AC Milan's Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez. It fell to Mirko Vucinic to send Juventus into the Coppa Italia finals.

Speaking to the club's official website, Alessio revealed that manager Antonio Conte had shouted himself hoarse during the game, a mark of how much Conte yearned for the victory. Alessio also commended the team for the resolve they displayed during the competition.

"Antonio always lives each match with such passion, and now he’s voiceless," the Italian revealed.

"We’ve produced a great performance, and this has occurred thanks to the lads, who really wanted to get through to the final. They’ve been giving their all for eight months in order to achieve this goal."

Despite falling behind, the Bianconeri fought back to eventually force extra-time and win the tie. Alessio believes that it was a great showing of mental strength from the Juventus squad.

"We’ve done well in reacting immediately after Milan had gone in front, and in extra-time we’ve reacted even better, creating three goal chances and finally netting through Vucinic."

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri stated that he is satisfied with his team's performance in the game. The Italian pointed out the Rossoneri's inability to compete in extra-time as the reason their downfall.

"Milan have gone out with their heads held high, I'm happy with the performance from the lads."

"In extra-time we were very tired, we had expended a lot of energy and we were not able to really attack them."

Both teams will return to Serie A action this weekend, as AC Milan take on Roma and Juventus host Inter Milan.