Prematch Information

FORM

In what is surely a most frightening statistic, Juventus has yet to conceded a Serie A goal in 2018. The only team to find the back of the net has been Tottenham Hotspur, however other Italian clubs have failed to unlock the Juve defense.

However, if there is one team in form that can solve the old lady’s Rubik’s cube, it’s Gennaro Gattuso’s AC Milan.

Juventus

W/W/W/W/D

You’d think that if Juventus were going to have a ‘trip up’ match in this final stretch, it probably already took place as a 12 match win streak came to a halt in a goalless draw against SPAL.

Juventus holds a two point lead over second place Napoli, and Massimiliano Allegri will have surely pressed upon this veteran squad the importance of this fixture. However, standings placement, Cup hopes and dreams, European prospect, all of which disappear from view once the match kicks off.

Milan

W/W/W/W/W

I feel like we’ve been discussing the disappointing European exit against Arsenal way too much as of late, so I’ll follow Gattuso’s advice and try to move on (sobs internally).

The Rossoneri remain undefeated in their 2018 campaign and have put a six point gap between themselves and Atalanta, securing a spot in the race for Champions League. Currently, Milan have five points to make up on Inter, with Lazio still lingering in 5th if they hope to be playing on the grand stage next season. There is little reason to doubt that prospect. Rino’s men have been playing their hearts out, putting everything they have out onto the pitch. Late winners and a few nail biters have made heroes out of Patrick Cutrone and Andre Silva, both of whom will have to remain on form if there is any hope for Milan to finish strong.

With five straight wins in the bag, Juventus will not be caught sleeping as they did last week against SPAL.

LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT

No fancy graphic here:

2:30 EST

Ronaldinho getting cheeky before the match...

Juventus players are starting to come out of the tunnel...

5’ (Kickoff)

It’s been all Juve, all the time. The crowd has yet to miss an opportunity to boo Bonucci whenever he found a touch. Higuain tested Donnarumma early, but the young keeper with a nice save, diving to his left to deflect.

10’

Juve have been threatening since the start of the match so it’s probably no surprise to see Dybala get on the score sheet. The ball took an awkward bounce in front net and Donnarumma couldn’t handle it.

15’

Silva misses the best opportunity Milan has seen all day. Hakan with a wicket cross across the face of goal, that finds Andre Silva’s head at the backpost. Silve glances the ball wide... shouts for handball but there’s not much in it.

20’

Milan fighting hard here and really causing fits in Juve’s back line. Unfortunately, the red and black are a hair away from being as clinical as they need to. Silva has another opportunity on a cross from Suso, but is found off sides. Can’t totally fault Silva, as he came to play. If he keeps giving himself these opportunities, he should capitalize eventually.

25’

Juventus sending more bodies forward attempting to pressure Milan in their own half. Yet they do well to fight out of it. Take away the early goal and you’d have to say Milan has looked the more dangerous side.

30’

After the constant jeering and booing - it had to be Bonucci to hurt Juventus! Milan has been pressuring constant and it was only a matter of time. 1-1 here at Turin! A wonderful cross finds the powering head of Bonucci who deafens the crowds cries.

35’

Kessie is just neutralizing Pjanic with ease. We can put Milan’s domination of the midfield on Franck and his excellent play so far. Milan wasn’t finished moving forward and kept looking for crosses and early balls into the box. By far, the Rossoneri have been the better side today so far.

40’

Terribly challenge on Suso who just made three Juve players look silly along the line. Benatia takes the yellow for his actions, frustration clearly sinking in. Rodriguez with a similar challenge and earning a yellow only seconds later. Tension is high in Turin, what a match for a neutral.

45’ (Halftime)

VAR scared Milan fans for a bit as calls for handball off a Juve corner terrified fans everywhere. Ref took a peak and saw there was nothing in it. Juve fans nervous as the stadium is quiet, tensions clearly rising. This match won’t stay 1-1 for long.

50’ (Second Half)

Milan are right back it. Tight passing, wonderful possession in the midfield, quick movement in the final third. We’ve spoken about how Kessie has manhandled Pjanic for most of the match, but we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the unsung work from Biglia snuffing out watchful passes.

55’

Juventus seems to have found a renewed sense of urgency. Dybala stood over a dangerous free kick opportunity but Milan’s defenders stood strong and punched it out of play. Milan were quick to come back as there came a fury of exchanges on both sides of the pitch. Hakan had the most stinging chance as his effort from deep rocketed off the post. Buffon had NO chance to save that. Unlucky in the end.

60’

Juventus has been more in keeping possession, with Pjanic the guiltiest party. Hakan wasn’t done trying from distance as he sent an awkward drive but this time Buffon can scoop it up easily. Juventus will have to be more aware of Hakan’s striking ability moving forward, which should open up some space for Andre Silva.

65’

Counter after counter from both sides and honestly, I’m shocked we’re still at 1-1. We also saw the entry of Nikola Kalinic for Andre Silva, who has worked hard for Gattuso up front. Tactically, it makes sense for a veteran striker to play off this Juventus line, especially in the final 30. We’re creating a lot of chances here, let’s see if we can capitalize.

70’

Of course, my BeIN Sports feed dies and I’m forced to use alternative methods to watch. Bonaventura with a real chance to put Milan ahead but the ball sails over the net.

75’

Pjanic with an Oscar award on that dive outside the box, but the ref buys it and we have a lethal free kick position conceded. Luckily, Pjanic’s offensive woes would continue and he over-hits the ball and Milan fans globally exhale a sigh of relief. Higuain with a chance in front of net right before the 75th minute but Donnarumma swatted it aside. Wouldn’t have counted anyway, as the Juve striker was offside.

80’

Much to everyone’s horror, Montolivo steps onto the pitch.

Hakan would lose the ball on a counter attack and Juan Cuadrado would show up to the match.

85’

The sad part of all this business is you could argue Milan have been the better side for most of the match. However, Milan did not capitalize on their bounty of chances and, in the end, it would be the veterans of Juventus who would make sure they didn’t flub theirs. The goal from Cuadrado seems to have deflated this Milan side completely as they are now chasing the game.

90’

Milan are digging deep here for something, anything, that can help equalize and salvage something for their efforts. Suso has yet to give up, driving forward with authority, crossing with superb skill into the box, hoping for someone to find the end of it.

Unfortunately, Sami Khedira would remember how to play football, and a beautiful Dybala pass found Khedira unmarked in the box. Almost effortlessly, Sami puts the match out of reach. 3-1 Juventus.