Turin giants Juventus took a big step towards a record-extending 15th Coppa Italia success with an emphatic 6-1 victory over battling Serie A strugglers Salernitana at the Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
The match began in sensational fashion when Salernitana striker Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi silenced the home crowd by slotting past Mattia Perin after just 60 seconds. However, Juve responded swiftly through Fabio Miretti and Andrea Cambiaso to lead 2-1 at the interval.
After the break, Massimiliano Allegri’s men turned on the style, adding further goals from Daniele Rugani, a Dylan Bronn own goal, Kenan Yildiz and Timothy Weah to secure an ultimately comfortable passage into the quarter-finals, where they will meet fellow Serie A side Frosinone.
Despite the heavy loss, Salernitana boss and former Juve hitman, Filippo Inzaghi, could take pride in his side’s courageous start that gave the Old Lady an early scare. Yet, the gulf in class told in the end as the Bianconeri made home advantage count to book their place in the last eight and edge closer to more silverware.
The emphatic victory maintains Juve’s hopes of capping a difficult season with cup success. Victories in their next two ties would see them advance to a date with destiny in Rome on May 24th and the chance to be crowned Coppa Italia kings for a 15th time.
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