Cristiano Ronaldo sets record in Coppa Italia final defeat to Napoli
This season’s end didn’t bode well for the Portuguese International, Cristiano Ronaldo who set an unwanted record on Wednesday night’s Coppa Italia final defeat to Napoli played behind closed doors inside the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The defeat against Napoli means Ronaldo has now lost two finals in his illustrious career.
It would be recalled that in December Juventus were beaten by Lazio in the Italian Super Cup.
Ronaldo didn’t inspire Juventus to victory in the Coppa Italia final as Napoli claimed their first major trophy in six years with a 4-2 penalty-shootout win.
Both clubs could not score after 90 minutes, thanks largely to 42-year-old Gianluigi Buffon who was impressive in goal for Juventus.
Paulo Dybala and Danilo missed the Old Lady’s first two spot-kicks, while Napoli was successful with all four of theirs.
Ronaldo, who was probably in line to take the fifth penalty, did not feature in the shootout – instead, it was Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik became the hero by slotting home the winning spot-kick.
Napoli were the underdogs going into the final against the Serie A leaders, but the victory was no less than what they deserved after creating the better chances during normal time.
The win gives Gennaro Gattuso his first trophy as a manager, while Napoli secured their first silverware in six years and their sixth Coppa Italia title.
Ayooluwa Joshua