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AC Milan made an error letting Pirlo join Juventus - Albertini The ex-San Siro favourite, who spent 14 years there, feels the Italy international should have been kept on the club's books rather than being allowed to leave freely. Oct 2, 2011 Demetrio Albertini believes AC Milan's decision to let Andrea Pirlo slip through their fingers and join Juventus could backfire when the teams meet in Serie A on Sunday if he plays. Pirlo left the champions at the end of last season following an illustrious 10-year career at San Siro and moved to Turin on a free deal. But Albertini, a former Milan midfielder and current vice president of the Italian FA (FIGC) believes his old club could regret their decision not to keep him on board. "Milan taught me that you can make mistakes when you buy players, not sell them. What a mistake, getting rid of Pirlo," Albertini told Tuttosport. "We are talking about a unique and irreplaceable player in Pirlo." Massimiliano Allegri's men signed Alberto Aquilani on loan from Liverpool with a view to making it a permanent deal as Pirlo's substitute. However, the Italian feels what the former Inter ace brought to the champions has dried up, regardless of replacements. "Mark Van Bommel, Alberto Aquilani and Massimo Ambrosini are all different players," he said. The Serie A showdown kicks-off at Juventus Arena in Turin at 19:45 (CET). Pirlo, 32, is in doubt for the game after picking up a knock to his knee in Saturday's training session, but he was not excluded from the squad.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Arturo Vidal: I rejected AC Milan for Juventus The Chile international midfielder claims an interest from the Italian champions was rejected during the summer transfer window before he moved to Turin from Bayer Leverkusen. Oct 2, 2011 Arturo Vidal admits he could have been playing for AC Milan in Sunday night's Serie A showdown, but he turned them down in favour of a move to Juventus. Vidal, 24, was wanted by Bayern Munich over the summer, but Bayer Leverkusen did with business with Antonio Conte's club. However, the Italian champions were also at the door. "Did Milan want me in the summer? Yes, but I chose Juventus because they have won more titles in Italy and they have more ambition," Vidal told Tuttosport. Speaking of the game between the two sides in Turin, Vidal said: "Certain matches are fascinating and if we beat Milan then other teams will look at us differently."

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin AC Milan clash provides Juventus with first real acid test Following their promising start to the Serie A season, the Old Lady's credentials will be tested to the limit by last season's Scudetto winners in Sunday's clash. Oct 2, 2011 Reigning Serie A champions AC Milan provide the formidable opponents for Juventus tomorrow as Juventus Stadium plays host to its first

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Juventus Need To Beat AC Milan To Become Great Again Oct 1, 2011 Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic is loading the ammunition, hoping to fire his side towards greatness in Sunday

Football365.co.za Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin BUFFON NOT GETTING CARRIED AWAY Oct 1, 2011 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is not getting carried away by his team's positive start to the campaign ahead of Sunday's game against defending champions AC Milan. The Turin giants go into the encounter at the Juventus arena as one of just three teams unbeaten in the league. Last weekend's 1-1 draw at Catania lifted Antonio Conte's side level on eight points with Udinese at the top of the standings, with Milan three points behind them. "This game will have more significance for us than it will be for Milan," Buffon said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Milan is the reference team this season, they are the defending champions. "This game will give us a strong indication as to where we are at in terms of our growth. "We've enjoyed a good start to the season but it's early days and we have to just focus on ourselves and continue to improve." AC Milan travel to Turin in buoyant mood. Wednesday's 2-0 triumph over Viktoria Plzen handed the Rossoneri their first Champions League win this season. Massimiliano Allegri's side will be bolstered by the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Sunday. The Swedish striker returned to play after a two-week absence through injury in midweek and scored a penalty and set up a goal for Antonio Cassano. And Ibrahimovic warned his former club Juve his best is yet to come. "I feel much better but I'm not yet 100%," Ibrahimovic said. "But I hope I will be come Sunday." Ibrahimovic will again partner Cassano up front. The visitors are still without injured Robinho, Gennaro Gattuso Massimo Ambrosini, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Philippe Mexes. Conte will have all of his players available with Montenegrin forward Mirko Vucinic returning from suspension. Andrea Pirlo will play alongside Claudio Marchisio in the heart of Juve's midfield in what will be first game against his former club since leaving the San Siro outfit this summer.

football.co.uk Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Juve game more mental than physical - Allegri Oct 1, 2011 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Sunday's crunch Serie A clash against Juventus will be more of a mental battle than a physical one. Juve lead the early scudetto table on goals scored while Milan are in the bottom half but the two sides are separated by only three points. And while Milan played in the Champions League in midweek, beating Viktoria Plzen 2-0, Juve have had the last seven days off. But Allegri doesn't believe that should put his players at a physical disadvantage. "We're fine, we're playing every three days but we're always the same," he said. "We won't be brilliant we're we're fine. Tomorrow's (Sunday's) is a game which will be played on a mental level more than a physical one. "And then we can rest during the international break." Allegri admitted he is wary about the influence former Milan star Andrea Pirlo will have on the game. The Italy midfielder has had an excellent start to the season and is already a fans' favourite in Turin. "He's playing in a team that appreciates his quality, with players like that if you let them play they make life easier for you," said Allegri. "We have to try to limit their opportunities, both his and those in the attacking zone. "We have to try to waste fewer chances than we have done up until now, we need to play well from every point of view. "It will be a very physically demanding game but the season is long and nothing will be decided tomorrow." Although Juventus are top, Allegri believes they will improve throughout the season when their new coach and new players start to gel. "They have a new team, many new players and they're doing very well, they can certainly improve. "We've been together for a year and we did well last season. We started well this year winning the Supercup. "We've had a lot of injuries but slowly but surely they're coming back. "This is our last game with these injured players because probably after the international break they will all be back. "That's a good sign because it means our season will start six games into the season. "It won't be easy, we're playing an excellent team who will fight for the title in their new stadium. "We will have to be ready for the atmosphere, because as well as having personal motivation they will also be pushed on by the crowd, it's a very important game."

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Allegri wants AC Milan players to display their technical superiority against Juventus The tactician singles out Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Antonio Cassano and Juve midfielder Andrea Pirlo to play important roles in Sunday's clash at Juventus Stadium. Oct 1, 2011 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his players will need to display their full technical abilities if they wish to defeat Juventus in Serie A on Sunday, adding he thought the game would be a significant test to determine his side's title credentials. The defending Italian champions have just one win in four league games thus far, and but Allegri stresses that there are still a lot of matches to play. "It will be a fascinating game with a lot of competitive tension, but the season is long and it won't be decided tomorrow," the tactician said in a press conference on Saturday. "We'll have to play a technically excellent game and we have to play carefully because right now, I think that's fundamental." Allegri said he was weary of the threat second-placed Juventus posed, particularly as Sunday's opponents are led by a familiar face in former Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo. "Andrea Pirlo is doing very well. He's playing in a team that's built around him," Allegri said. "If you leave quality players like him to play, then you make his job easier, so that is what you have to avoid.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Knee injury scare for Pirlo Oct 1, 2011 Andrea Pirlo has an injury scare ahead of Sunday

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Boateng and Ambrosini fit for Juve Oct 1, 2011 Kevin-Prince Boateng and Massimo Ambrosini are back in the squad for Milan

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Andrea Pirlo a doubt for AC Milan game The 32-year-old could miss tomorrow's game against the side he left in the summer after picking up an injury in training in Saturday's training session. Oct 1, 2011 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is a doubt for Sunday's crunch Serie A fixture against his former club, Milan. According to the team's official website, the 32-year-old playmaker has picked up a knee injury during a practice session on Saturday. The club stated: "During the practice game which brought the workout to a close, Andrea Pirlo sustained a bruise on his left knee." "The midfielder

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Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Allegri: 'Juve are Scudetto rivals' Oct 1, 2011 Massimiliano Allegri looks ahead to Sunday

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Conte: 'Milan are Juve's big test' Oct 1, 2011 Antonio Conte warns Milan that Juventus will go for it in Turin.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Van Bommel on Milan future Oct 1, 2011 Mark Van Bommel has pledged himself to Milan, but warned they ought to focus on Serie A rather than the Champions League.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Juventus are rivals for the Scudetto - Massimiliano Allegri The former Cagliari tactician has stated that the Turin club have the squad to compete for the Serie A title this season after making an impressive start to the campaign. Oct 1, 2011 Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Sunday's opponents Juventus are title contenders this season after making numerous signings in the summer. The champions are currently 12th in the table, and come up against Antonio Conte's high-flying side in search of a win that would propel them up the league. The trip to Juventus' new stadium will be Milan's first and Allegri is hoping his men can earn a positive result, despite their lengthy injury list. "Juventus are a new squad who are doing well and can certainly do even better," Allegri told reporters in his press conference. "We're playing a team that will fight to the end for the Scudetto. Juventus will also be highly motivated and can count on support of the home crowd in their wonderful new stadium." "It's great to see a stadium without barriers, as that represents a step forward for Italian football." Milan will be without Gennaro Gattuso, Alexandre Pato, Robinho and Massimo Ambrosini for the encounter, but are hoping to welcome back Kevin-Prince Boateng for Sunday's game. "At the moment we are still coming back together, because we had so many injuries. Tomorrow will hopefully be the last game with so many players out, as they should return after the break for international duty," he added. The game will also be the first time Andrea Pirlo comes up against Milan for Juventus, since his summer transfer. "Andrea is a champion and is doing well, as he plays for a team that makes the most of his qualities. If we leave him space to play, then we'll be making it easier for him and the strikers," Alegri said. The tactician concluded his press conference with a few words of praise for his opposite number, Conte. "I am impressed with coach Antonio Conte as he is pushing forward his ideas of football," he added. When the two teams met last season in Turin, Milan snatched a vital away victory courtesy of Gattuso's 68th minute goal.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin We will not fear Milan - Antonio Conte The former Siena tactician has declared that his men are not worried about facing Massimiliano Allegri's side on Sunday evening. Oct 1, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has stated that his side have respect for Milan yet hold no fear towards the champions, with the two teams set to meet in Serie A on Sunday in Turin. The Old Lady are currently top of the league, picking up two wins and two draws in their opening four games of the season, while Milan are currently down in 12th place. Sunday's fixture offers Juventus their first real test of the season yet Conte remains confident his men can emerge victorious. "Having respect for a side is one thing - and we have a lot of it for Milan - but fear is another," the former Siena tactician told reporters in his press conference. "Our attitude must never change, regardless of who we are facing because we must always take the initiative. Clearly, we are playing against a team of great quality, but that has to represent further motivation. "It is our first game against a big club, but certainly not our first big game, because every encounter must be treated the right way. They are ultimately worth three points." Despite the club's decent start to the new campaign, Conte played down being top of the table going into Sunday's encounter. "We are still studying to be among the big teams. We must never forget where we came from, nor what happened to Juventus. That's all we need to avoid kidding ourselves and provide the grit we need to get back to the top level," he added. "When we are there, then we can talk about a Scudetto showdown. For now, we just want to understand what level we are at." The coach concluded his press conference by discussing tactics, and the fact he is able to switch to a 4-2-4 formation when needed. "I am fortunate enough to have different options in midfield. It has to be an advantage because having an alternative to the basic system allows us to be unpredictable," he said. "We know Milan try to win by keeping possession, so there will be moments when we are under pressure. We're aware of our strengths and weaknesses, so I am curious to see how we perform in a big match situation."

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Chiellini: 'How to keep Ibra quiet' Oct 1, 2011 Giorgio Chiellini tells Juventus how to approach Sunday

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Aquilani: 'Milan is like paradise' Oct 1, 2011 Alberto Aquilani thanks Juventus for giving him a chance, but

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Torino Serie A Preview: Juventus v AC Milan The league leaders will look to beat the defending champions in a heavyweight clash in Turin on Sunday evening. Oct 1, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS Juventus (4-2-4): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Marchisio, Pirlo; Krasic, Vucinic, Matri, Pepe Antonio Conte has the luxury of choosing from an essentially-fully-fit squad for the crunch clash on Sunday, as Vincenzo Iaquinta is the only player he will not be able to call upon. Andrea Barzagli took part in Wednesday's training session and should get the nod alongside Giorgio Chiellini in the centre of defence. Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, van Bommel, Seedorf; Aquilani; Ibrahimovic, Cassano Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned for the Champions League clash midweek against Viktoria Plzen and will start up front beside Antonio Cassano. Massimiliano Allegri will still be missing a plethora of players though as Philippe Mexes, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Robinho, Gennaro Gattuso, Massimo Ambrosini and Alexandre Pato are all nursing injuries. DID YOU KNOW?

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Aquilani looking to punish old club Juventus on Sunday The Italy international spent a season in Turin in 2010-11, but is more happy at the Scudetto holders and is looking for three points against his former club this weekend. Oct 1, 2011 Alberto Aquilani has stated that he is happy to be playing at AC Milan, and is hoping to end Juventus' unbeaten Serie A record on Sunday. The Italy international spent last season on loan in Turin, but moved to the Scudetto holders in the summer, and is happy at the Milanese club. "AC Milan seems like a little paradise, now I understand why all players who come to Milan say they want to stay," the 27-year-old told Corriere dello Sport. "Now I want to become a key player for this team. I am very glad I made that choice." Antonio Conte's team are top of the Italian league after a strong start, whilst Massimiliano Allegri's side have started slowly, but despite this, Aquilani does not feel that Sunday's clash will decide the title. "I do not think tomorrow's match against Juventus will be decisive for the Scudetto, it is still too early," he stated. "I'm not sure how far the Bianconeri can go; the last couple of years they have said they could do well. Surely, however, the purchases of Vucinic and Pirlo strengthens them," he concluded.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Vucinic looking to beat childhood heroes AC Milan The Montenegro international has admitted he supported the Milanese team when he was younger, but will have no soft spot for Massimiliano Allegri's side on Sunday. Oct 1, 2011 Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic has admitted that he supported AC Milan as a youngster, but will have no soft spot for his childhood team when he faces them on Sunday. The Montenegro international was suspended after being sent off against Bologna, but will return against the Serie A champions this weekend. Despite stating he is happy at Antonio Conte's side, the 27-year-old admits to supporting the Milanese outfit when he was younger.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Seedorf warns AC Milan: Juventus have great enthusiasm The veteran midfielder is wary of the opposition's and believes it could prove fatal against his side, as the Turin outfit will want to show they are contenders for the title. Oct 1, 2011 Clarence Seedorf is sounding an early warning to his AC Milan colleagues ahead of their Serie A showdown against Juventus on Sunday. The Dutchman said there will likely be hidden dangers in Turin, and he believes Juventus will be spurred on by a sell-out crowd in their new stadium. "This game is worth plenty because both teams are in good form and as well as the three points, a lot of pride is at stake," the former Real Madrid and Ajax star is quoted as saying by La Repubblica. "Juventus have great enthusiasm and they will want to show it against us. Also, the new stadium and the fans will be extra factors we need to be aware of." AC Milan are currently 11th in the table with five points, three points behind Juventus, who sit in joint-first place with Udinese going into the weekend fixtures.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Juventus v AC Milan: Preview Sep 30, 2011 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is not getting carried away by his team's positive start to the campaign ahead of tomorrow's game against defending champions AC Milan. The Turin giants go into the encounter at the Juventus arena as one of just three teams unbeaten in the league. Last weekend's 1-1 draw at Catania lifted Antonio Conte's side level on eight points with Udinese at the top of the standings, with Milan three points behind them. "This game will have more significance for us than it will be for Milan,'' Buffon said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Milan is the reference team this season, they are the defending champions. "This game will give us a strong indication as to where we are at in terms of our growth. "We've enjoyed a good start to the season but it's early days and we have to just focus on ourselves and continue to improve.'' AC Milan travel to Turin in buoyant mood. Wednesday's 2-0 triumph over Viktoria Plzen handed the Rossoneri their first Champions League win this season. Massimiliano Allegri's side will be bolstered by the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Sunday. The Swedish striker returned to play after a two-week absence through injury in midweek and scored a penalty and set up a goal for Antonio Cassano. And Ibrahimovic warned his former club Juve his best is yet to come. "I feel much better but I'm not yet 100%,'' Ibrahimovic said. "But I hope I will be come Sunday.'' Ibrahimovic will again partner Cassano up front. The visitors are still without injured Robinho, Gennaro Gattuso Massimo Ambrosini, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Philippe Mexes. Conte will have all of his players available with Montenegrin forward Mirko Vucinic returning from suspension. Andrea Pirlo will play alongside Claudio Marchisio in the heart of Juve's midfield in what will be first game against his former club since leaving the San Siro outfit this summer. Team Stat Comparison Juventus - AC Milan 4 - Matches Played - 4 1 - Table Position - 12 8 - Points - 5 4 - Goal Difference - -1 2.5 - Goals for * - 1.0 1.0 - Goals against * - 3.0 D-D-W-W - Last 5 - W-D-L-D D-W - Last 5 home - W-D-D D-W - Last 5 away - L * Goals per match - home matches for home club and away matches for away club Competition Stats Juventus - AC Milan Mirko Vucinic 1 - Goals - Zlatan Ibrahimovic 1 * - Assists - Antonio Cassano 3 Arturo Vidal 1 - Yellows - Antonio Nocerino 2 Mirko Vucinic 1 - Reds - *