United States men’s national team stars Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah helped Juventus win the club’s 15th Coppa Italia title with both players featuring in a 1-0 victory vs. Atalanta on Wednesday.
Despite seeking the trophy for the 15th time, Juventus were the underdogs coming into the match against an Atalanta side seeking their first Coppa Italia since 1963.
Juventus haven’t had the best 2024 so far with a rough stretch of games, failing to win their previous six heading into the final.
McKennie helped relieve the pressure on Juve’s shoulders as he was involved in the buildup of the game-winning goal in the fourth minute.
DUSAN VLAHOVIC INSIDE FOUR MINUTES FOR JUVENTUS IN THE COPPA ITALIA FINAL pic.twitter.com/yhRxjPUJkM
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 15, 2024
Atalanta would pile on the pressure while Juventus looked to strike on the counter throughout the game. The closest Atalanta came to an equalizer was Ademola Lookman rattling the post in the 80th minute.
SO CLOSE FROM ADEMOLA LOOKMAN ‼️ pic.twitter.com/kfQs8X66R1
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 15, 2024
Weah came on as a substitute in the 81st minute to help close out the victory. McKennie played the whole 90 minutes and while it might not have been his strongest performance, the goal of lifting the trophy was achieved.
This was McKennie’s second time winning the Coppa Italia after lifting it with Juventus during the 2020-21 season while on loan. Juventus also defeated Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final three years ago with McKennie starting and assisting the first goal.
As for Weah the Coppa Italia title continues a remarkable trend for the American. He’s won a trophy with every club he’s played for.
During his brief stint with PSG’s senior squad he won two Ligue 1 titles, during a loan with Celtic he won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, with Lille he won the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title and now he’s won silverware in Italy.
It’s unclear whether the two USMNT stars will still be with Juventus next season. Weah has been a bench player starting just 12 games. He’s also been used in a more defensive role than he plays with the U.S. He could seek a transfer in the summer.
Meanwhile McKennie has had contract disputes with Juventus with the club not wanting to offer him a pay raise despite his remarkable season that’s seen him be one of Juve’s best midfielders. He could also be on the transfer market this summer.
Transfers and contracts will be the last things on their mind’s following the Coppa Italia triumph as they celebrate the end of the season on a high note.
"Hi America." @WMckennie, Moise Kean & Adrien Rabiot join @TMeola1 after winning the Coppa Italia pic.twitter.com/QtRPE26069
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 15, 2024
JUVENTUS LIFT THEIR RECORD 15TH COPPA ITALIA pic.twitter.com/LF0U0omXdv
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 15, 2024
