Juventus Alarmed by Loss to Hellas Verona Ahead of Coppa Italia Final

As Hellas Verona prepared to host Juventus on Sunday evening, almost everything appeared to favour the visitors.

Statistics revealed that, having conceded just 18 goals prior to this encounter, the Bianconeri boasted Serie A’s meanest defence, while their opponents had netted a league-low 30 times this season.

Both in terms of recent outings and from a historical perspective, the form guide also provided little comfort as Juventus—who were confirmed as champions last week—had won 25 of their previous 26 matches in 2015/16 and last lost an away game with the Gialloblu back in April 2000.

While the Old Lady had visited Verona just five times in those intervening years, the host side sat bottom of the table, long since resigned to the fact they will be playing their football in Serie B next term.

It seemed there was little chance of an upset, yet that is exactly what transpired as a dismal performance from Juventus handed the hosts a memorable 2-1 victory, with the final game of Luca Toni’s career ending in memorable fashion for the 2006 FIFA World Cup winner.

Luca Toni’s last ever game. Gets a penalty … https://t.co/j3YC42olP6

— James Dart (@James_Dart) May 8, 2016

Opening the scoring with a well-taken penalty, Toni—having already announced his intention to retire—told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) that it was “a magical night,” but it was one that handed his former side a valuable lesson.

Statistics from WhoScored.com show Juventus enjoyed more possession (60.3 percent), completed more passes (451 compared to Hellas’ 275) and took more shots (16 to 12), …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com