There is a much-anticipated match awaiting us: Milan - Juventus. The fixture is set to be played at the San Siro stadium at 6:00 PM CET. It will be a very challenging match for Thiago Motta and Paulo Fonseca as well. Both coaches are aiming for positive points. But, perhaps the Rossoneri are the ones who are under more pressure. There is a big need for three full points, especially after a disappointing and frustrating 3-3 draw against Cagliari just before the international break.
Milan's strategy against Juventus
Under the guidance of Paulo Fonseca, the Rossoneri outfit will looking to dominate against Thiago Motta's Juventus. As per the latest reports, the Rossoneri are expected to deploy a tactical surprise, a strategy Fonseca has been known for in recent matches.
After a 3-3 draw against Cagliari, Milan's defence has been under much criticism from pundits and media alike, and Fonseca's focus will likely be on tightening that area. The probable lineup includes Mike Maignan in goal, with a back four of Emerson, Gabbia, Thiaw, and Theo Hernandez.
⚽️ Milan - Juventus | Possible lineups, as per @Gazzetta_it 📰#ForzaMilan 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/3mtmtvR14Y
— MilanReports (@MilanReportscom) November 23, 2024
As for the midfield, we could see Tijjani Reijnders pairing up with Youssouf Fofana as usual. While in front of them, there should be Samuel Chukwueze on the right flank and Rafael Leao on the opposite wing. In the attacking midfielder's position, though, Christian Pulisic is reportedly in doubt. If the American does not start, it would be a chance for Ruben Loftus-Cheek to showcase his skills and redeem himself. Alvaro Morata, the ex Juventus star, will be the lone striker.
How will Juventus play against Milan?
The Bianconeri's head coach, Thiago Motta, will be without key players such as striker Dusan Vlahovic and centre-back Gleison Bremer. This might force Motta to innovate, possibly deploying Weah as a false nine or relying heavily on the likes of Yildiz, who has shown promise in previous encounters at San Siro. The team's resilience and adaptability will be tested, especially given Milan's ability to transition quickly from defence to attack.
What are some key battles in Milan - Juventus?
One of the interesting key battles is Youssouf Fofana and former Rossonero Manuel Locatelli. As always, a football match is won thanks to details, and much of these said details are in the midfield. Whoever dominates that area will be able to dictate the tempo and create more goal scoring opportunities.
AC Milan will surely look to obtain a crucial win which can say a lot about their ambitions to be Scudetto contenders. As for the atmosphere at the San Siro, it will be electric, as expected. The fans will push their beloved team forward. For Fonseca's team, there is no room to make mistakes and the pressure should not be a negative factor when you wear the red and black shirt, as the Portuguese head coach said during yesterday's press conference:
"I don’t feel more pressure for this kind of match. It’s not about pressure but motivation... At Milan, there’s pressure every day: if we don’t want this pressure, then we can’t be here."