San Siro showdown as Milan welcome Juventus
Two of Serie A’s most impressive sides since the resumption of play battle it out on Tuesday evening at the San Siro. The league leaders Juventus will play and in form AC Milan side who they failed to beat in Turin, playing out a goalless draw. Milan did Maurizio Sarri’s men a favour in their title aspirations last time out, beating Lazio 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, not a result many saw coming. Stefano Pioli’s side are still chasing a Europa League spot, sat just two points behind former gaffer Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli who are sixth.
Background
Milan have won three and drawn one from their post-resumption outings, with all their victories coming by two or more goals. That said only five of 14 home league games this term have brought over 2.5 goals, suggesting they may take a more solid approach against Juve. The champions elect have won their last seven and last three on their travels, the latter all coming by a two goal margin. With their Portuguese master looking back to his best, netting in all four games since the COVID-19 enforced pause of the campaign.
Last time out
It was a comprehensive win for Milan at Lazio, sending a statement out to the rest of the division in the process. Pioli’s high profile attackers all delivered for him with the goals coming from Hakan Calhanoglu, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ante Rebic, the Croatian forward has really come into his own since the resumption of play, demonstrating why they fought tooth and nail to bring him in from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. They also only conceded 0.29 expected goals, an outstanding effort despite the absence of Ciro Immobile. Chief creator for the Roman side Luis Alberto was not afforded the space and time he usually finds in order to setup his teammates.
Juventus were rampant and wasted no time in their 4-1 victory against cross city rivals Torino. Paulo Dybala opened the scoring after just three minutes with his South American colleague Juan Cuadrado doubling Sarri’s men’s lead on the half hour mark. Torino did come back into it with a penalty from Italy international Andrea Belotti on the stroke of half time, but Cristiano Ronaldo was on hand to restore their two-goal advantage on 61 minutes. A late own goal capped a simple three points for the Old Lady.
This will be a fierce contest, two Serie A heavyweights will showcase their best form even without the support from the stands. Ultimately Juventus just have too much strength in depth.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
An incredible second half containing six goals, saw Juve take a two goal lead before capitulating to a 4-2 defeat.