Football: Vucinic leads Juve to Italian Cup final

ROME: Mirko Vucinic’s extra-time strike sent Juventus into their first Italian Cup final since 2004 following a 2-2 draw with AC Milan on Tuesday. The draw gave them a 4-3 aggregate victory. Milan had forced extra-time by leading 2-1 after 90 minutes but ultimately paid for their first-leg defeat at home last month. Veteran Alessandro del Piero had given Juventus a first-half lead but the second period goals from Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez forced the extra period. “Going through the game means a lot to us, we’re really proud,” said del Piero.”I’m delighted as much for my goal as for the qualification.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2012.