AC Milan May Be Losing Their Grip on the Scudetto as Juventus Find Form

There are seven matches to play in the Italian Serie A season, and only one point separates two of the most famous clubs in European football. 

Milan suffered a setback in last weekend's defeat at the hands of Fiorentina, while Juventus—winners of four of their last five—continued their unbeaten season. The Bianconeri easily handled Palermo in Sicily, and returned to the league's summit.

Last Saurday, the Rossoneri lost for the fifth time this season, however, it was the first time the club had failed to win against a club outside the top seven. It was also their first loss since February 1 to Lazio—Juventus' next opponent.

The good news for Milan is their remaining fixtures appear slightly easier to those of Juventus. On paper, the Rossoneri's most difficult game will come against city rivals Inter on May 6. The club will not face a top-seven team for the rest of the season—as of the current league table. 

Milan is back in action tonight against high-flying Chievo Verona, who is unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches. Chievo is in fantastic form, and last weekend defeated Catania 3-2. However, the club has not beaten Milan in their last seven attempts. All of which resulted in a loss.

The two clubs met last November when Milan recorded a resounding 4-0 victory. However, tonight's Milan team will be much different to the one that cruised to victory at the San Siro.

Five of the 11 players that started in Milan's win over Chievo will miss tonight's match through injury. The back four will be missing three regular starters in Thiago Silva, Ignazio Abate and Luca Antonini. 

Add to the injury list Kevin-Prince Boateng and Mark Van Bommel, and the club's options for first-choice player becomes even more limited. 

Just when Milanisti thought it couldn't get any worse, Daniele Bonera, Massimo Ambrosini and Alberto Aquilani are out due to yellow-card accumulation. 

The club has been without key players for long stretches of the season, and if Milan do not win the title this year, the club can look back on their injury woes as one of the main reasons.

Milan still has plenty of capable players to get the job done. They will, however, need an improved performance to the one displayed three days ago against Fiorentina. 

Juventus, on the other hand, is hitting form at exactly the right time. While Milan stuttered at the San Siro following their Champions League exit, the Old Lady of Italian football cruised to victory.

Juventus begin their run-in to the Scudetto Wednesday night at home to Lazio. The Biaconeri has recovered from their blip that began in early February and lasted until early March. A blip in which the club drew six out of seven matches.

The Turin club is the only unbeaten team left in Europe, but during their winless period, they looked set to equal Perugia's 1979 record as the only Serie A team to go undefeated and not win the title. 

The Bianconeri must still play Roma and Lecce, two teams with something to prove. Roma was embarrassed last weekend by Lecce, and at one time were down 4-0 before clawing two goals back. The Romans still have a shot at a Europa League place.

Meanwhile, Lecce is a team trying to preserve their top-flight status. Only four points separate them from safety and they have been a dangerous team since Serse Cosmi took over as manager last December. 

Before Lecce and Roma, however, Juventus must first host Lazio Wednesday night. Lazio has been incredibly shaky since the turn of the year, and have had little momentum after a poor transfer window saw Antonio Candreva become the club's only major signing.

Juventus dominated and won their earlier meeting this season at the Stadio Olimpico, thanks to a 34th-minute goal from Simone Pepe. 

The Scudetto may vary well be decided on the last day of the season. Serie A is shaping up to have the most exciting finish of the four major leagues in Europe—though Germany and Spain may have something to say about that. 

The Rossoneri can't have many more slip-ups or Juventus will take home their 28th Serie A title. Milan must get a result tonight to keep pace with the Biaconeri. A Milan loss and a Juventus win doesn't end the title race. It does, however, make it more difficult for the Rossoneri to repeat as champions.