Today’s date, 18 May, represents a fundamental moment in the Bianconeri’s history. Thirty-five years to this day, Juventus finally lifted their first international trophy. Victory was clinched in Bilbao, Spain, where Giovanni Trapattoni’s men prevailed in the UEFA Cup final.
Juventus went into their second leg encounter against Athletic Bilbao with a slender lead established through Tardelli’s goal at the Comunale. Things started brightly as Bettega extended Juve’s advantage by striking in the opening stages. The hosts, however, mounted a rousing two-goal fightback to ensure a nervy finale. Yet after a nail biting thirteen minutes, the final whistle sounded to spark scenes of jubilance by Zoff and his team-mates. The victory signalled the start of a winning cycle, in which every international trophy would be lifted over the course of the next ten years.
Two years previously, in 1975, the Bianconeri clinched Scudetto number sixteen. Carlo Parola’s side exacted revenge on defending champions Lazio, bringing the title back to its rightful home after a year in exile. A draw against already relegated Vicenza was all that was required to seal the title. But the hosts took nothing for granted, finding themselves 4-0 up in the first half after Bettega and Anastasi added to Damiani’s double. Cuccureddu put the icing on the cake by netting goal number five after break.
Source: Juventus.com
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