JUVENTUS SEASON 2025-2026

[Socrates 10256]

Juventus 2 - Bologna 0: Initial reaction and random observations

 

 

The first two days of Matchday 33 have been very kind for Juventus’ potential standing in fourth place — and that was even before the Bianconeri stepped foot onto the field for Sunday night’s matchup against Bologna. Every single domino they needed to fall their way did, and they had the chance to put some serious breathing room between themselves and the two teams directly behind them in the standings. ............

 

Juventus got up early against Bologna thanks to Jonathan David’s goal within two minutes. They extended their lead early in the second half through another header, this one from Khephren Thuram all of 11 minutes after he came on. The result was a 2-0 win that, combined with Como and Roma both dropping points on Friday and Saturday, respectively, allowed Luciano Spalletti’s squad to extend their lead over their closest competition for fourth place to five points with five points to go. For the first time in a long time, Juve have the breathing room they had absolutely none of when the March international break arrived four weeks ago.

 

Opportunity offered up and opportunity seized upon.

 

Sn now, just a few weeks after looking like Juventus were in serious danger of not making the Champions League, they’re suddenly just three points off second-place AC Milan. And guess who’s next up on the schedule? Ah, you guessed it — it’s that crazy corto muso-loving man who just saw his team win 1-0 on Sunday despite being outshot by more than a 2-to-1 margin by the 19th-place team in the league.

Even more the wild: Juventus are now closer to second place (three points) than they are fifth place (five points).

 

Even the most optimistic of people — and sometimes I like to think of myself as one of those that try to be of that ilk rather than the alternative as much as this club tries to make it the opposite kind of situation — couldn’t have seen this sudden changing of the tides coming. Of course, it’s nowhere near over and to actually think it’s over would be a huge mistake, but this is huge swing of both how we’re looking at Juventus’ final stretch of games and the entire scope of the race for the top four.

 

Did you think that in the final weekend of April that Juventus could go into the San Siro and potentially move level on points with second-place Milan after we saw this same team struggle to get a draw against Sassuolo right before the March international break? Because I didn’t! ............

 

The early goal was a huge boon, but just the way they came out and really took it to Bologna early on was reflective of a team that knew that they head to take full advantage of what was in front of them. There was no loitering around. They got the lead, they kept pushing forward and really should have been up by two or three goals heading into the half. A little bit better finishing and they would have been. But, this is still Juventus in 2026, so we can’t always have nice things when it comes to wins being of the simple and straightforward variety.

 

The good thing is that we’re not sitting here being totally down because Juventus smoked their chance to go five points clear of Como and Roma. They didn’t fumble away the 1-0 lead like a Gigio Donnarumma howler. (Timely reference!) They didn’t allow Bologna to get back in the game and score on their first shot on goal of the game like we’ve seen so many teams do against Juve this season.

 

This was another instance of Good Juventus showing up. And it’s showing up at the right time of the season. This isn’t over and we know that things can change quickly again, but Spalletti has managed these last few weeks as well as he has all season. As other teams are faltering, Juve are just getting stuff (or another word) done — and that’s all we can continue to ask of them entering the final month of the season. You know, just like they did against Bologna.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• I really am just glad that the 20-minute Kenan Yildiz cameo when Juve were already up 2-0 and in complete control didn’t end up in anything bad based on how he’s been a big worry throughout the week. ............
• I can’t be the only one who was getting extremely emotional even before kickoff thanks to that tribute to former Juve goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who tragically died at age 48 after a traffic accident earlier this week.
• The whole thing was extremely well done by the club on short notice. To bring out five of his teammates — Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio, Leonardo Bonucci and Antonio Chimenti — and then put down flowers and his No. 13 jersey right at the top of the penalty area as the entire stadium clapped in applause shows you what kind of respect Manninger had at the club despite being there for a relatively short amount of time (four years).
• In conclusion, Manninger Face forever, folks. ............
• Thankfully, after there were clearly plenty of emotions going through the Allianz Stadium, there pops up Jonathan David with his first goal in 2 1/2 months. That was just a brilliant cross from Pierre Kalulu (again) and a nice finish from a striker in David who you don’t really associate with his ability to finish crosses in the air. Yet he found a nice little pocket of space and headed the Kalulu cross perfectly. Just a great start to such an important game.
• And Thuram’s header? Same type of deal. Really is amazing that Juventus scored two great headers off equally impressive crosses for what feels like the first time in quite a while.
• The man who assisted Thuram’s goal? Weston McKennie. Because that’s just what Wes does.
• THAT GOAL CELEBRATION WAS FUN AND YOU CAN’T TELL ME OTHERWISE.
• Oh, he also covers more ground than anybody because he’s an absolute machine and just runs and runs and runs and runs. And runs. And runs. You get the picture by now. The man is a bulldog.
• Give Kalulu a contract extension. Do it now and don’t look back. You’ve gotten new deals for Yildiz, McKennie, Spalletti and Manuel Locatelli out of the way, so now make Kalulu next up on the list. ............
• Bremer was just everywhere and giving nobody much of any sort of room to operate.
• No yellow card for Bremer (and Lloyd Kelly, who was also quite good against Bologna!), so that means he’s available to face Milan next weekend. This is just about some of the best news we could get. ............
• Jérémie Boga has to be one of the absolute transfer steals of the 2025-26 season, right? That boy good.
• Emil Holm was also done a pretty solid job until he had to be subbed off at the half. While it sounds more precautionary than a major concern, hopefully he isn’t going to be suddenly stopped by another injury like he was after making his Juventus debut a couple of months ago.
• That shot from Holm that crashed off the bar, my goodness. That woulda been an absolute beauty if he scored it. Instantly a Goal of the Season candidate if he scored it.
• Poor Federico Bernardeschi having to come off just minutes after making his first appearance at the Allianz since he left Juventus. At least the crowd gave him a very nice reception both during warmups and then as he was first subbed on. Good on them. ............
• In hindsight, how big is that Gatti goal against Roma looking right about now? That’s looking like it was the start of something. ............
• Good to see Spalletti and Joao Mario hug it out heading into the tunnel.
• Spalletti was also spotted chatting up Jhon Lucumi after the final whistle. Was the summer recruiting starting early? Maybe, we shall see for a player who has been looked to Juve a handful of times before.
• Good win. I am happy. You get a result against Milan next weekend and things are looking nice heading into the final month of the season when the schedule, on paper, eases up a bit. Nice way to spend a Sunday.

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/37833/juventus-bologna-2026-serie-a-matchday-33-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

[Socrates 10256]

Preview: AC Milan vs Juventus - prediction, team news, lineups

 

 

Two Serie A giants will go toe-to-toe in a crucial clash at San Siro on Sunday evening, as AC Milan host top-four rivals Juventus.

 

Should Inter Milan win in Turin a few hours earlier, then the Rossoneri would need to beat Juve to retain even the slightest chance of being crowned Italian champions.

 

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Match preview

Trailing 12 points behind first-placed Inter, it is surely a matter of time before Milan formally concede the Scudetto to their city rivals, having faltered over the past couple of months. ............

 

Meanwhile, rejuvenated Juventus have taken advantage of recent slip-ups from both Como and Roma - first seizing fourth spot, then establishing a five-point buffer.

 

In fact, beating Milan would bring them into the mix to finish runners-up, which was almost unthinkable when Luciano Spalletti took charge last November.

 

Juventus have averaged nearly two points per game under his leadership - significantly higher than Igor Tudor's 1.5 - and only Inter have accrued more points during that period.

 

Alongside Allegri, Juve's current coach is one of only four managers to reach 300 wins throughout Serie A history, and his interim appointment has been made permanent on the back of some much-improved performances.

 

Spalletti's side have won five of their last six league fixtures while conceding just one goal, while last week's home victory over Bologna made it eight without defeat across all competitions.

 

A seat at Europe's top table is not secure yet, as losing this week would set up a nervy finale, but if recent history is any guide, the Bianconeri should leave San Siro with at least one point.

 

Following a 0-0 draw in October's reverse fixture, they have not conceded in their last five top-flight clashes with Milan - already a club record run.

 

AC Milan Serie A form:

W L W L L W

 

Juventus Serie A form:

W W D W W W ............

 

Like their hosts, Juve are also faring well on the fitness front, as only Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik are ruled out; albeit reported Milan target Dusan Vlahovic could still join them on the sidelines.

 

Mattia Perin, Khephren Thuram, Emil Holm and Vasilje Adzic have all resumed full training and should be named in Spalletti's squad.

 

Star man Kenan Yildiz - who has posted 16 goal involvements this season - is also expected to overcome an ongoing knee problem.

 

AC Milan possible starting lineup:

Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leao

 

Juventus possible starting lineup:

Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David ............

 

We say: AC Milan 1-1 Juventus 

Juventus may be in fine form, but Allegri's Milan have a good record against Serie A's top teams and should be able to grind out a home draw.

.

While not ideal, that result would keep both them and Juve on course for Champions League qualification.

 

Read more -> https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/ac-milan/race-for-the-serie-a-title/preview/ac-milan-vs-juventus-prediction-team-news-lineups_596381.html

Modificato 10 ore fa da Socrates

[Socrates 10256]

AC Milan v Juventus Match Preview and Prediction

 

 

Juventus travel to face AC Milan with an opportunity to move above Max Allegri’s side, and they will be eager to seize it as both clubs continue their battle to finish inside the top four.

 

Juve have enjoyed an impressive run of form in recent weeks, which is why they are widely regarded as one of the teams most likely to finish the season strongly. Their consistency has given supporters renewed confidence at a crucial stage of the campaign.

 

Following their elimination from the Champions League, Juve have improved significantly in domestic competition and have been collecting victories as expected. That response has undoubtedly pleased their manager, who will want the momentum to continue.

 

The men in black and white will be determined to ensure they remain in contention for a top two finish between now and the end of the season. Every point is vital, and a result at San Siro would represent a major statement. ............

 

By contrast, Milan has won only two of their last five matches, while losing the other three. That inconsistency has created additional pressure ahead of one of the most significant fixtures of their campaign. ............

 

Juve are in stronger form at the moment, and the men in black and white must now demonstrate that level in this encounter by claiming victory. Recent performances suggest they have developed the ability to win even when not at their best.

 

That was evident in matches such as the contest against Atalanta, where Juve were still able to secure all the points despite not producing their finest display. ............

 

 

It is expected to be a demanding match for both teams, with quality on each side and plenty at stake in the race for Champions League qualification. However, the current form gives Juve reason to believe they can secure the points.

 

Should they manage that outcome, Juventus would return to Turin ahead of Milan and strengthen their position significantly as the season moves towards its conclusion.

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/ac-milan-v-juventus-match-preview-and-prediction/

[Socrates 10256]

Luciano Moggi discusses the difference between Juventus and AC Milan

 

 

Luciano Moggi has discussed the differences between Juventus and AC Milan as both clubs prepare to meet in Serie A on Sunday.

 

The men in black and white travel to San Siro for one of the most demanding fixtures any side can face this weekend, and it is a match Juventus know they must approach with maximum focus. With the race for key league positions intensifying, the importance of the contest cannot be overstated.

 

Juve have the opportunity to move above AC Milan in the table if they secure victory, and it is a chance they will be eager to take as preparations continue. ............

 

There was a time when meetings between these clubs carried direct title implications, with both Juventus and Milan regularly competing for the Serie A crown. While the stature of the fixture remains unchanged, the immediate objective has shifted.

 

Now, both sides are battling to qualify for the Champions League next term, making this encounter equally significant in a different context. Securing a top-four finish remains vital for sporting ambition and financial stability. ............

 

Moggi said: “The Rossoneri are stronger in terms of their squad, but since Spalletti took over, Juventus has made a leap in quantity rather than quality, and the credit goes primarily to the coach. We’ll see who comes out on top on Sunday evening at San Siro.”

 

Moggi’s comments suggest Milan may possess greater depth on paper, while Juventus have improved through organisation, consistency, and coaching influence. That balance could make for a closely fought contest. ............

 

Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/luciano-moggi-discusses-the-difference-between-juventus-and-ac-milan/