Juventus and AC Milan have won their opening two games in Serie A so something has to give here. I think Ruben Amorim will keep this one tight and the new manager will be content with a point.
Key Stats
- Juventus are undefeated in 13 of their last 14 matches.
- Juventus have seen under 2.5 goals in 10 of their last 11 games against AC Milan.
- AC Milan have drawn 8 of their last 16 games against Juventus.
HTH
Juventus have an 89-66 advantage against AC Milan alongside 75 draws.
Defence Standing Strong for Juventus
Juventus had a strong preseason, conceding just twice in six games, in a 2-1 defeat to Inter Milan.
Luciano Spalletti’s side carried that form into Serie A, Bremer’s early goal the difference in a 1-0 win at Frosinone where they held the hosts to 0.41 xG.
The Old Lady shut down Parma last time out, winning 2-0 with both goals coming after the hour mark. Once again Juve were defensively strong, ending with 1.58-0.26 xG.
Spalletti was pleased with the performance: “We played well and with a clear objective, with quality in our play, and constant pressure that let us spend a lot of time in their half.”
“Of course, you need to find that decisiveness as well, you need to anticipate, and to have the quality to capitalise on the work done. We probably weren't precise enough to trouble them more, but we created a lot of chances.”
Amorim Making his Mark in Milan
AC Milan are in a rebuilding phase after Massimiliano Allegri was replaced by Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager persists with his 3-4-3 formation which has resulted in two wins.
Alphadjo Cissè and Adrien Rabiot scored in a 2-1 victory at Torino, limiting the hosts to one shot on target.
I Rossoneri beat Venezia 2-0 last time out, Gonçalo Ramos scoring the opening goal. The striker took eight of Milan’s 16 shots, following on from five shots against Torino.
Amorim spoke about improving and the need for support: “We need to improve the way we occupy the box when we put crosses in. When we attack, our centre-backs have to understand that their role is different.”
“They shouldn’t worry about who scores; they have to start preparing for the transitions. There is a lot to do, but it’s not easy to play in this stadium.”
“The fans have a memory, but they are really working hard. Sometimes you don’t win in a beautiful way, but this helps build our confidence.”
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Juventus (4-4-2) Guglielmo Vicario; Pierre Kalulu, Bremer, Jhon Lucumí, Zeki Celik; Francisco Conceicao, Manuel Locatelli, Douglas Luiz, Jérémie Boga; Randal Kolo Muani, Nico González
Khéphren Thuram underwent surgery for a knee injury and won’t be back any time soon. Juan Cabal and Jeff Ekhator are both out with thigh injuries.
Kenan Yildiz had surgery for a foot injury on Monday and could be out for two to three months. Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso are doubtful.
Jonathan David has moved to Atletico Madrid on loan, the club signing Pape Matar Sarr from Tottenham and Nick Woltemade on loan from Newcastle.
AC Milan (3-4-3) Mike Maignan; Mario Gila, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic; Samuel Chukwueze, Yunus Musah, Luka Modrić, Davide Bartesaghi; Alexis Saelemaekers, Gonçalo Ramos, Alphadjo Cissé
Matteo Gabbia has an ankle injury and Fikayo Tomori is doubtful. Pervis Estupiñán and Davide Bartesaghi compete for a spot at left-back.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be under pressure with Alexis Saelemaekers in line to start. Adrien Rabiot waits for his chance.