JUVENTUS SEASON 2025-2026

[Socrates 10265]

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 10265]

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.

 

---

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 Sabato alle 15:23 da Socrates

[Socrates 10265]

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 10265]

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/

[Socrates 10265]

[Socrates 10265]

[Socrates 10265]

Bremer: ‘Juventus must win and cannot keep coasting for 6 years’

 

 

Gleison Bremer has warned Juventus ‘have been just coasting along for six years and this cannot happen. I want to win, I am 29 and cannot wait any longer.’

 

The defender sat down for a press conference this afternoon, taking the place of coach Luciano Spalletti ahead of this weekend’s showdown with Milan.

 

That kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST). ............

 

“Juve have been coasting along for six years now, and this cannot happen,” warned the Brazilian defender.

 

“I am happy here, but it is important that the club gets back to winning ways. In order to be considered a champion player, you have to get back to winning.

 

“I want to win, because I am 29 years old and I cannot wait any longer. You can’t just float along for six years, you need to target the Scudetto. Having said that, it’s still early to say we’ll challenge for it next season. We’ve got to finish this term and then see what happens on the transfer market.”

 

“The club took this decision, and since he arrived, the team has changed a great deal,” added Bremer.

 

“They also renewed the contracts for Kenan Yildiz, Wes McKennie, Manuel Locatelli.” ............

 

“I haven’t spoken to Alisson, he is a great goalkeeper, but we already have Perin and Di Gregorio. This is up to the club, not me.”

 

“It is not a positive season at all. We should’ve done much better, especially in the Coppa Italia and Champions League, but that is the past now and we have to look forward.

 

“At the same time, playing just once a week has given us the time we needed to work on the details, and you can see that on the field. The coach is pushing to get the best out of us.” ............

 

 

“Allegri is a good coach, he won a lot, we know him well. If we win tomorrow, the Champions League will almost be locked down,” added Bremer.

 

“It was good with Allegri, because we got back to winning after a long time, and I also learned a great deal from him on how to defend. Spalletti always wants to play the ball, control the initiative, and that is what we are trying to do game by game.

 

“He wants everyone to be able to occupy the spaces, look up and see the passing options.”

 

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/bremer-juventus-must-win-cannot-keep-coasting/

[Socrates 10265]

AC Milan vs Juventus: Preview and Prediction

 

 

Three points separate AC Milan from Juventus in the table, with the teams occupying the last of the Champions League places in Italy. For the Rossoneri, there is the element of going trophyless this season, but from the perspective of their league finish, achieving UEFA Champions League qualification would have been their ultimate objective.

 

The objectives did change during the course of the season, as Milan found themselves in the thick of a title race. However, ahead of their mammoth clash with Juventus, a win would only bring temporary relief from the inevitable outcome of Inter Milan lifting the Scudetto title either this weekend or the next.

 

After going on a massive unbeaten run, Milan have lost three of their last five Serie A games, which has all but ended their title chase and pushed them into a top-four race. ............

 

Juventus, on the other hand, are on a good run of form heading to San Siro, with their tails up following recent performances. Back in February, when they lost at home to Como, the result also afforded Cesc Fabregas’ side a sniff at a top-four place, which they have fought for since.

 

However, Juventus have stitched together a seven-game unbeaten run since that game in the league, winning four of those, including the last three heading into the San Siro. Momentum is clearly with Luciano Spalletti’s side ahead of Sunday, but they must ensure they make full use of it.

 

Moreover, the drop-off from close rivals Como and AS Roma has allowed Juventus to open up a five-point gap between themselves and those teams. Spalletti will want to keep this buffer for as long as possible as he targets a win over old rivals Milan at San Siro on Sunday.

Team News & Tactics

AC Milan

 ............

 

Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leao

Juventus

The fitness report over at Juventus is nothing out of the ordinary, as Luciano Spalletti has his full squad from recent games. Only Arkadiusz Milik, Juan Cabal, Mattia Perin, and Dusan Vlahovic are thought to be out of contention, although the latter could still make the matchday squad after being in training lately.

 

There have been a few returning players to training, including Khephren Thuram as well as Perin, while Emil Holm and Vasilije Adzic are also part of that group. Kenan Yildiz, who has been experiencing an ongoing knee issue, should be fit enough to feature, while Thuram is also expected to take his midfield spot alongside regular partner Manuel Locatelli.

 

Gleison Bremer and Lloyd Kelly will continue to form the central defensive partnership, with Pierre Kalulu and Andrea Cambiaso taking up the full-back slots. In the attacking third, Jonathan David might be selected to lead the line, which is a sign that Spalletti could temporarily move away from a false nine, with Weston McKennie operating in the attacking midfield role. Francisco Conceicao and Yildiz will provide the width.

 

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Conceicao, McKennie, Yildiz; David

Key Stats

• AC Milan have lost three of their last five Serie A games.
• AC Milan and Juventus have played out three draws in their last four meetings.
• Juventus have kept a clean sheet in five of their last six matches against AC Milan in all competitions.
• Juventus are unbeaten in their last seven Serie A games. ............

 

Prediction

AC Milan 1-1 Juventus

This is a big game by all accounts, and these are teams known to make things tight on occasions like these. Juventus will probably come into this one in a superior vein of form compared to their hosts, but they may not get the level of freedom afforded by others in recent weeks.

 

Milan have several questions to answer with regard to their form, but they are on the mend, and a big performance will be needed against Juventus. The game could be decided by tight margins, and these are managers not known to give an inch to opponents, there are hallmarks of an entertaining yet cagey draw written all over it.

 

Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/04/25/ac-milan-vs-juventus-preview-and-prediction-2/

[Socrates 10265]

Milan vs Juventus probable lineups: Will Yildiz recover in time?

 

 

On Sunday evening, Milan and Juventus will lock horns in the most anticipated fixture of Serie A Matchday 34.

 

With only three points separating the two rivals in the league, Max Allegri and Luciano Allegri will be keen to get their tactics and selections right.

 

So, how will the two teams line up under the two Tuscan head coaches? ............

 

Rafael Leao will link up with his usual partner-in-crime, Christian Pulisic, in Allegri’s 3-5-2 system.

 

Luka Modric will orchestrate the play in the middle of the park, supported by Youssouf Fofana and Adrien Rabiot, who will meet his former teammates. ............

 

Milan Probable XI (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers (Athekame), Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Leao. ............

 

Kenan Yildiz has been hindered by a physical problem that forced him to train separately for the majority of the week. Nevertheless, the pink newspaper considers the Turk the favourite (55%) to start on the left side over Jeremie Boga (45%).

 

 

Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram will link up in the double pivot, even if there is a 30% chance for Teun Koopmeiners to replace the Frenchman, who has also been dealing with physical discomfort.

 

Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso will start in the wing-back roles, with Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, and Lloyd Kelly forming up the backline in front of Michele Di Gregorio.

 

Juventus Probable XI (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Yildiz (Boga); David

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/milan-vs-juventus-probable-lineups-will-yildiz-recover-in-time/

[Socrates 10265]

[Socrates 10265]

[Socrates 10265]

Serie A | Milan 0-0 Juventus: A point apiece pleases nobody

 

 

Milan and Juventus shared the spoils at San Siro, though Alexis Saelemaekers hit the crossbar and Khephren Thuram had a goal disallowed, keeping the race for the top four open.

 

This was a huge crossroads for the season, because the Rossoneri were only three points clear of Juve in third place and chasing Napoli, the Bianconeri in turn needing a result to stop Como and Roma closing on fourth. ............

 

Juventus thought they had equalised moments later when Francisco Conceicao rolled across to the back post for Khephren Thuram to come sliding in, but the Frenchman was offside.

 

Francisco Conceicao got down the right again for a shot that Mike Maignan parried with his chest at the near post. Bartesaghi was not fully fit and struggling to keep up with Conceicao, so replaced by Pervis Estupinan at half-time. ............

 

Milan came so close when Alexis Saelemaekers smashed a ferocious finish onto the underside of the crossbar with the inside of the right boot from 10 yards on a Leao assist. Juve then immediately went on the counter, David going down after squirming between Matteo Gabbia and Fikayo Tomori just outside the area, but the referee waved away appeals for a foul.

 

Modric went off after a nasty accidental clash of heads with Manuel Locatelli left him dazed, replaced by Ardon Jashari. ............

 

 

David just failed to get his head to a dangerous cross from the right, only grazing it from six yards, while Dusan Vlahovic was offside when Maignan stuck out one foot to parry his angled drive.

 

The second 0-0 draw of the season between these teams means Milan have not scored in any of their last six Serie A meetings with Juventus.

Milan 0-0 Juventus

Read more -> https://football-italia.net/serie-a-milan-0-0-juventus-a-point-apiece/

[Socrates 10265]

Milan 0-0 Juventus: Status quo preserved as rivals fire blanks again

 

 

Following October’s goalless draw at the Allianz Stadium, Milan and Juventus settled for another stalemate at San Siro, as the two sides remain third and fourth in the Serie A table. ............

 

Luciano Spalletti opted for a 3-4-2-1 system spearheaded by Jonathan David, with Francisco Conceicao and Jeremie Boga in support. Manuel Locatelli linked up with Khephren Thuram in the double pivot, while Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso acted as wing-backs.

The contest started with the Bianconeri in control of the ball, and the hosts sitting deep in their own areas. Nevertheless, Spalletti’s men weren’t able to create serious chances during the first 30 minutes. ............

 

Juventus then retook the initiative, scoring a goal that was disallowed by VAR for offside. Conceicao received the ball on the right flank. He dropped the shoulder and went to the outside before picking up Thuram at the mouth of the goal. The Frenchman finished the play with a simple tap-in, but the timing of his movement was slightly premature.

 

Conceicao was the author of another two chances before half-time. On the first occasion, he produced a stellar control after receiving a long ball from Locatelli. He then tried a shot from an acute angle, but Mike Maignan stopped it with his body. ............

 

The second half began with a double chance for Juventus squandered by Boga and Conceicao, who was once again denied by Maignan. On the other end of the pitch, a swift attack from Milan saw Leao set up a glorious chance for Saelemaekers, but the Belgian’s shot crashed against the woodwork.

 

 

Juventus then dominated the action, but couldn’t create anything noteworthy, not even following the late introductions of Kenan Yildiz, Edon Zhegrova, and Dusan Vlahovic.

In the end, both sides seemed content to share the spoils, but the Bianconeri wasted a golden opportunity to earn a win that would have propelled them to third place. Moreover, they have allowed Como and Roma to reduce the gap to four points, setting the stage for a nervy May.

Milan 0-0 Juventus

Milan (3-5-2):  Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana (66′ Ricci), Modric (77′ Jashari), Rabiot, Bartesaghi (46′ Estupinian); Leao (77′ Nkunku), Pulisic (60′ Fullkrug). Coach: Allegri.  

Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram (70′ Koopmeiners), Cambiaso (70′ Holm); Conceiçao (78′ Zhegrova), Boga (78′ Yildiz); David (86′ Vlahovic). Coach: Spalletti.  

Referee: Sozza from Seregno

Yellow cards: Cambiaso (20′), Bartesaghi (38′), Boga (71′), Estupinian (74′), Locatelli (85′).

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/milan-0-0-juventus-status-quo-preserved-as-rivals-fire-blanks-again/

[Socrates 10265]

Juventus player ratings vs Milan: Conceicao the only spark in attack

 

 

On Sunday evening, Milan and Juventus seemed content to share the spoils, much to the disappointment of the thousands at San Siro and millions watching all over the globe.

 

The Bianconeri had the bulk of possession, but only created a few chances. For their part, the Rossoneri almost snatched the lead through Alexis Saelemaekers, whose effort crashed against the post. However, Max Allegri’s men were too passive for the large part. ............

Juventus XI (3-4-2-1)

Michele Di Gregorio – 6

 ............

Pierre Kalulu – 7

A formidable defensive display from the former Milan defender, who frustrated Christian Pulisic.

Gleison Bremer – 7

The Brazilian stood his ground and won the vast majority of his duels against Rafael Leao and Co. He also pushed forward and tested Mike Maignan with a low drive.

Lloyd Kelly – 7

An almost flawless display from the Englishman who didn’t put a foot wrong all game.

Weston McKennie – 6

 ............

Manuel Locatelli – 6

 ............

Khephren Thuram – 6.5

The Frenchman had a goal ruled out for offside, but more importantly, he made vital defensive contributions and carried the ball forward on several occasions.

Andrea Cambiaso – 5.5

 ............

Francisco Conceicao – 7

The Portuguese winger was Juve’s most inspirational player. Dribbled past his market almost at will, and made some outrageous ball controls, but just lacked the finishing touch.

Jeremie Boga – 5

The Ivorian had his worst performance since joining Juventus. He was suffocated by Fikayo Tomori and made wrong decisions while in promising positions.

Jonathan David – 5.5

The Canadian embarked on a solo run out of nowhere, but went down too easily following a slight push from Matteo Gabbia. A frustrating evening all in all, even if Spalletti praised him afterwards.

Substitutes

Emil Holm – 5.5

 ............

Teun Koopmeiners – 6

 ............

Kenan Yildiz – N/A

Edon Zhegrova – N/A

Dusan Vlahovic – N/A

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Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-milan-conceicao-the-only-spark-in-attack/

[Socrates 10265]

Spalletti: ‘Juventus had to be wary of Milan, battle for top 4 down to the wire’

 

 

Luciano Spalletti warns Juventus that they ‘had to be wary’ in their 0-0 draw with Milan, but the race for a Champions League spot will go down to the wire.

 

The Bianconeri had a huge opportunity with a victory to catch Milan in third place, but also knew they had to look over their shoulders to keep Como and Roma at bay in the hunt for a Champions League spot.

 

Khephren Thuram had the ball in the back of the net, but only after wandering into an offside position, while Alexis Saelemaekers came closest for the hosts when rattling the crossbar. ............

 

“We continued our journey, we tried to take the initiative, a bit too slowly and predictably in the first half, we never managed to get past their men, so they were always in position,” Spalletti said.

 

“You have to be wary with Milan, as you feel like you are in complete control, and then they suddenly burst forward with three or four to make it difficult for you. The danger is when you feel comfortable against them.

 

“When building out from the back, we worked on the preventative marking to ensure those counter-attacks didn’t happen. There were a few situations where we could’ve done better, including a foul on Jonathan David, but it was missed.” ............

 

“If there isn’t a lot of physical contact, he can get out of duels with technical quality, but if you press him physically, he struggles more. He runs so much, you cannot doubt his dynamism, pressing on Modric, Gabbia and Maignan constantly, he brings results. Naturally, he’s not someone who can run with pace or take men on, but when collaborating with the team, he’s perfect at that.

 

“We needed to create more density in support to help him out, as today especially in the first half, we left him a little too isolated,” said Spalletti. ............

 

“When the team had more control in the second half and pushed Milan back, Vlahovic’s presence could’ve helped, but he only came back to training with the team on Friday. Kenan too struggled when he had to make two changes of pace, you could see he wasn’t in great shape.

 

“With Vlahovic, he was coming off a very long injury, he got hurt last time when warming up on the touchline, so we can’t rush him. The future depends also on the present, so we can’t run unnecessary risks.” ............

 

Both Roma and Como now move to within three points of Juventus, so the hunt for Champions League qualification is still wide open with four rounds left to play.

 

“I think it will go down to the wire or very close to it, because these are the games. Roma and Como won, so we still have quite a few matches left to win before we can deserve our place in that tournament,” added Spalletti.

 

“It’s time for the final sprint, and at this stage is where the fatigue of a long season starts to build up, that is where you can tell who belongs at Juventus and who doesn’t.

 

“We must confirm the culture of self-discipline, hard work and determination that inhabits this club, giving our all every day and letting nothing go by.” ............

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Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-had-to-be-wary-of-milan/

[Socrates 10265]

Juventus 0 - AC Milan 0: Initial reaction and random observations

 

 

When Juventus faced former manager Max Allegri for the first since his departure from the club in the spring of 2024 back in October, it ended a scoreless affair. The advanced numbers say there probably should have been some goals, but the actual scoreboard said things ended just the way they started — scoreless.

 

The second meeting with Allegri a different manager line up against him, but the ending proved to be the same.

 

A classic, scoreless tactical battle ensued at the San Siro on Sunday night. Neither team had many chances to score, and the result pretty much felt like what would likely play out with Allegri and Luciano Spalletti going up against one another as the two wily old foxes try secure Champions League football for their respective clubs next season. Milan had the best chance of the night — Alexis Saelemaekers’ shot that hammered off the post early in the second half — while Juventus actually had a shot total that reached double digits.

 

But not of that actually resulted in a goal being scored.

 

Instead, Juventus’ standing remained the same — in fourth place, albeit now three points ahead of Como and Roma s compared to the five-point advantage they had entering Matchday 34.

 

To see an Allegri-coached squad approach a game like this in the way they did was a surprise to nobody. As noted early on the broadcast here in the U.S., Allegri’s Milan are the club that has won the most games by a 1-0 scoreline this season in all of Europe. ............

 

At times, Juventus looked like they were on the brink of doing just that. Hell, they even what looked like an actual goal for a few seconds, only for it be called off for offside without much dispute from anybody. (And then to see it on the semi-automatic technology and Khephren Thuram’s ENTIRE BODY was actually offside, it makes you think why it even needed a VAR review to actually be reversed into the correct call. Then again … it’s Italy in 2026.) Juve had much more of the actually dangerous opportunities, but the thing about that is … well, it’s not like Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was all that troubled by pretty much all of the shots he had to save. ............

 

Juventus had their chances, that’s for sure, but Maignan was far from a busy goalkeeper. Milan defended well. So did Juve. This was the cagey matchup you’d expect from both Allegri and Spalletti as well as one that has been scoreless three of the last four times these two teams have played. It’s not like Spalletti pretty much sat on a scoreless draw — remember, he brought on both Kenan Yildiz and Edon Zhegrova with about 15 minutes to go, so it’s not like he was getting ultra-defensive against a Milan side that was not exactly in a good run of form.

 

So not exactly opportunity lost, but also not exactly opportunity gained, either — especially with both Como and Roma winning earlier this weekend. ............

 

For as much as you want to say that Milan aren’t on a great run of form coming into Sunday night — and they weren’t! — they are still the best defense in the league. That is what Allegri wants first and foremost, and nobody knows better than a whole lot of folks who can remember how he approached things for the overwhelming majority of his second spell in Turin.

 

Would winning in Milan and going into third on goal differential been a great way to finish the weekend? Of course, my friends. But I’ll take this point and now focus on a final month of the 2025-26 season in which Juventus will be the big favorite in all four of their remaining games. You keep getting points, you qualify for the Champions League and we can all relax a little bit.

 

Spalletti expects UCL qualification to go down to the wire, and that’s no surprise. Juve got a point and didn’t get the help they had gotten in the last few weeks, but they’re still holding firm in fourth. Keep that place in the standings and your remaining goal for this season is accomplished. Simple as that, folks.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• The combined xG from the first reunion with Allegri this season? Right around 3.
• The combined xG from this most recent reunion with Allegri? All of about 1.10.
• Hell, the combined xG through the first 30 minutes was 0.07. Scintillating!
• As much as the tactical battle between Spalletti and Allegri was enjoyable, maybe the most entertaining part of this one for me was watching Lucio go from wearing a jacket to quickly tossing his jacket by the wayside only to reappear with that jacket the few times the camera cut to him in the second half. ............
• The last time Milan scored a goal against Juventus in a Serie A match, you ask? It was May of 2023 … and Max Allegri was the manager of Juventus. Funny how all this works!
• Say what you want about Milan’s lack of an attack — and there is plenty to actually say about it! — but four clean sheets in a row is still four clean sheets in a row. I’ll take that — especially with how Juventus were defending not so long ago.
• Michele Di Gregorio had to make one save and although it wasn’t exactly simple one — our old buddy Adrien Rabiot certainly put some mustard on it — it was also straight down the middle.
• Speaking of our pal Adrien, I am struggling to figure out how he came out of that game without being shown a yellow. I mean, HOW?! A few of those tackles in the full 90 that he played were certainly worthy of a yellow. And you’d think that an accumulation of things would result in a yellow at some point, right? Nah, not with Simone Sozza around this time.
• Then again, Manuel Locatelli got the yellow he certainly deserved, so who knows what the hell to think.
• Locatelli was also involved in what was easily the most brutal collision of the night when he smashed his head right against Luka Modric’s skull. As good as it was to see Modric walk off under his own power, who knows just how much power he had based on the swollen chunk of his face that was already visible. That was a big one. ............
• As frustrating as a player like Chico Conceição can be, that pass to Thuram on the goal that ended up not being a goal was pretty much as good as you can play it.
• Conceição was a threat — especially with Yildiz not in the starting lineup — but sometimes you’re just left wanting a little more. Maybe that’s just the general feeling about him, but in 2026 that’s how he plays.
• Speaking of Yildiz, he just looked off in his cameo off the bench. Certainly not the impact he was hoping to make when Spalletti brought him off the bench in the final portion of the second half. ............
• Bremer had another good game — which is very encouraging.
• You know who also had another good game? Lloyd Kelly. To think we’d be consistently saying that after where things looked like they were heading and how we were thinking about Juve signing him about 12 months earlier.
• Unfortunately, how I’m feeling about Andrea Cambiaso and his defensive abilities has not changed from 12 months ago. These things happen in football, I guess. ............
• Jérémie Boga … that boy fast.
• Yes, the advantage over Como and Roma went from five points to three. That’s not great. But to come out of this trip to Milan with the worst-case scenario not happening is something I’ll be happy with. This was a winnable game because of how Milan had been playing, but it was never going to be an easy one to win because of how Milan defend. Allegri did Allegri things, Juve got a point, and now we head to may with destiny fully in Spalletti’s hands. That’s all we can ask right about now.

Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/37990/ac-milan-juventus-2026-serie-a-matchday-34-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations