We all know what happened the last time Milan and Juventus clashed in the Serie A. Now, it’s time for round two, in which the Rossoneri face a tough test at Juventus Stadium.
Returning to San Siro last weekend, Carlos Bacca was back on target netting a brace, as Gianluca Lapadula also joined in on the fun, in a convincing 3-1 victory for the Rossoneri, and 3 important points.
With only 11 games remaining, each point is crucial to European qualification. A win against the Bianconeri will be massive for confidence and regarding the table, although a point would be more than acceptable for the Rossoneri.
Currently on a 3-game win streak, this seems like the perfect time for Montella’s men to strike against one of their arch rivals, especially since Juventus only managed to get one point from their away trip to Udine last weekend. However, despite this, it’ll be extremely hard for Milan to shock Juventus away from home.
THE TEAMS
Suso picked up a slight lower-body injury during Milan-Chievo, but Sky has reported that Montella is optimistic that the Spaniard winger will be ready for the clash on Friday. He plays a pivotal role for the Devils, and he will be much needed in hopes of a victory.
Locatelli will most likely be starting from the bench, as Juraj Kucka and Mario Pasalic are slated to draw in the midfield with Jose Sosa, who once again will return to the regista role after playing as mezz’ala against Chievo.
Christian Zapata will likely start beside Alessio Romagnoli over Gabriel Paletta, as he’s had a string of strong performances. There have also been reports suggesting that Montella could consider starting Romagnoli at left-back, with Paletta and Zapata partnering up in the middle.
As for Juventus, winger Juan Cuadrado will miss the match due to suspension, and Giorgio Chiellini will miss out due to injury.
Probable Milan XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; De Sciglio, Paletta, Zapata, Romagnoli; Pasalic, Sosa, Bertolacci; Suso, Bacca, Deulofeu.
Probable Juventus XI (4-2-3-1): Buffon; Alves, Bonucci, Rugani/Barzagli, Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Pjaca, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Carlos Bacca has been in fine form over the past few matches, scoring 3 goals against Sassuolo and Chievo Verona. He’s a key player to watch, as if he gets several chances around goal this means the Rossoneri are playing well.
Gerard Deulofeu has settled in quite nicely in Milano. He has been extremely dangerous on the left-wing and could cause Dani Alves some problems on Friday with his pace.
As for Juventus, the obvious ones are Dybala and Higuain. The former assisted Bonucci in the 1-1 draw against Udinese last weekend, and has been pivotal for the Bianconeri to say the least this season, while Higuain has continued to score many goals in Serie A.
LAST TIME THEY MET
This will be the 4th meeting of the season between Milan and Juventus, second in Serie A, of course. The last match in the league resulted in a 1-0 win at the San Siro, courtesy of the Manuel Locatelli screamer in the second half. It should be an entertaining match from the two more historic teams in Italy.
