Serie A Preview: Juventus-AC Milan
In the biggest game of the season so far, Serie A leaders Juventus host second placed Milan in what promises to be an exciting game. The Stadio Delle Alpi will be full to capacity as Juve look to further distance themselves from a Milan side in hot pursuit of the leaders. If the Bianconeri win on Saturday it will put a massive seven points between the sides.
BACKGROUND
AC Milan visit Juventus in great form and good spirits following an impressive run of performances in Serie A. After a minor blip at the beginning of the season Ancelotti’s men have put pressure on Juventus by keeping them firmly within their grasp. Serie A already looks like a two horse race with six points between Milan and third placed Udinese. If Milan allow the Bianconeri victory then it will make winning the Scudetto more complicated, whilst a victory would blow the championship wide open. Milan certainly have a squad of players capable of beating any team around, with European Player of the Year Andriy Shevchenko amongst their ranks.
Milan’s form has become increasingly more impressive as the season has gone on, culminating in their stunning 6-0 victory over Fiorentina last weekend. Milan were clearly not playing to their potential at the start of the season and could have found themselves further from Juventus if not for Andriy Shevchenko’s goals. The Ukrainian has been in spectacular form this season and the accolade of European Player of the Year is well deserved. Brazilian midfielder Kaka has recently recovered the form that saw him take Serie A by storm last season to add to Milan’s potency in attack. With Pippo Inzaghi’s well-documented injury problems Crespo was seen as the perfect alternative by Ancelotti and the Argentinean is finally living up to his reputation. In their destruction of Fiorentina, the trio of Shevchenko, Kaka and Crespo showed how effective they can be when fielded together and will pose a major threat to Juventus’ impressive defensive record.
Whilst continuing to pick up vital victories in the league, Juventus have looked shaky in recent games. Last week’s controversial last gasp winner from Nedved gave the Bianconeri a hard fought victory against Bologna in a match they could easily have lost. Bianconeri coach Fabio Capello repeatedly stated that his players are starting to tire and will be looking forward to the Christmas break. Despite a recent slump in performances, Juventus have been consistently impressive this season, getting results regardless of the performance.
The Bianconeri have been leading the way throughout the campaign thanks to Fabio Capello’s intelligent tactics and hard-working squad, but newfound defensive strength is they factor in their success. The acquisition of Fabio Cannavaro from Inter has helped turn Juve’s defence into the most miserly unit in Italy, whilst Emerson in midfield has ensured the team gives little possession away. However, Alessandro Del Piero is still looking for his best form after a series of injury setbacks, whilst his partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still in its infancy. Despite this minor setback, Juventus have so far managed to score the goals needed to see them at the top of the league.
Last season Juve struggled in games against the Rossoneri. This tie ended 3-1 to the Milan side with Shevchenko and a Clarence Seedorf double putting the tie beyond Juve. It was their first win in Turin since 1999 and ended a run of four consecutive defeats at the Delle Alpi. Given both sides impressive form, the result looks extremely difficult to predict.
FORM GUIDE
Juventus (all competitions – oldest result first): WWDWDW
Drawing away to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League meant that Juve finished top of their group having conceded just one goal in the process and remaining unbeaten. Capello’s men have continued to grind out important victories regardless of their performance.
Milan (all competitions – oldest result first): WWWWDW
AC Milan are also in great form at the moment and will be in confident mood following their humiliating destruction of Fiorentina last weekend. Ancelotti’s men face Juventus at the perfect time as they look to carry on with their impressive run.
TEAM NEWS
Juventus:
David Trezeguet is still recovering from a shoulder operation and is some way off a return whilst Ruben Olivera is also out of the match. Aside from these players, Capello has a full squad of players to pick from and will most probably pick the same side that narrowly defeated Bologna last weekend.
Milan:
Carlo Ancelotti must do without Stam, Inzaghi, Simic, Tomasson and Abiati for this match. Despite such a lengthy injury list, the Milan coach is still able to field an extremely impressive side with the trio of Shevchenko, Crespo and Kaka looking to continue their hot streak.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Juventus:
This will be the biggest game in a Juventus shirt for Ibrahimovic so far. The Swede has been impressive since his surprise move from Ajax in the summer and will be a major threat to Milan. Strong and powerful, the striker is also blessed with great technical ability and can cause problems for any defence. Whilst the Swedish international is still adapting to life in Serie A, it is a matter of time before he develops into one of the best in the world.
AC Milan:
Andriy Shevchenko has scored some important goals against the Bianconeri during his time with Milan and will be in confident mood on Saturday. The Ukrainian superstar has been on top of his game this season scoring consistently and helping Milan to victory during their shaky patches. After his European Player of the Year award the striker will be extremely confident of hurting Juventus.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Juventus:
Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Del Piero
AC Milan:
Dida, Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kaka, Crespo, Shevchenko
PREDICTION
With passions running high, this game will be extremely difficult to call. Juventus go into he tie with less pressure, knowing that they will remain top regardless of the outcome. Milan need to secure a victory in order to close the gap and will test Juve’s defence to the limit. A draw is the most probable outcome, which would suit Juventus.
Juventus 2-2 AC Milan
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