Alessandro Matri the unlikely hero as Juventus win Coppa Italia

Substitute Alessandro Matri was the unlikely hero when he scored an extra-time winner to give Juventus a 2-1 win over Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday, keeping them on course for the treble.

Matri, who has changed clubs in each of the last four transfer windows and been a fringe player since returning to Juventus in January, blasted the ball into the roof of the net in the seventh minute of extra-time.

It was a record 10th Coppa title for Juventus, although their first since 1995. Having already won Serie A for a fourth successive season, Juventus will attempt to cap their season by winning the Champions League in the final against Barcelona on June 6.

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Lazio took a shock lead after four minutes when Andrea Pirlo failed to cut out a free kick into the area and Stefan Radu rose to head the ball into the top of the net.

Juventus needed only seven minutes to reply, central defender Giorgio Chiellini popping up to volley home from close range after Pirlo's floated free kick was knocked down by Paul Pogba.

Matri had a goal ruled out for offside late in the second half but made no mistake when Tevez's shot rebounded at his feet in extra-time in a move set up by an incisive ball by Pirlo.

Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci celebrates with the trophy after winning the Italian Cup Final

Image credit: Reuters

Matri said Juventus substitutes are “always ready” after coming off the bench to secure the Coppa Italia.

“The Filip Djordjevic double post did feel like a sign, we did well to believe and it is a great victory to bring home the 10th Cup.

“Obviously there is also great personal joy for scoring the decisive goal,” Matri told Rai Sport.

“The characteristics of this team is that everyone has to be ready, even if they play five or 10 minutes.

“This trophy was deserved for the whole squad that worked so hard to get here. Now we can prepare for the next challenge.

Juventus celebrate with the trophy after winning the Italian Cup Final

Image credit: Reuters

“The Coach knows how to press the right buttons and the motivation comes by itself.”

Juve can win the Treble against Barcelona in the Champions League Final on June 6.

“We know that we are facing a very strong side in Barcelona, but we are also aware of our own strengths and will try to win.”

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