Juventus-AC Milan: Serie A Preview

The encounters between Juventus and AC Milan have always been a classic—a fixture between two of the world’s most successful clubs. On Sunday, two living legends symbolizing their respective clubs will go head to head as the Bianconeri entertain the Rossoneri in a crucial showdown at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.

Both sides won their respective game last week and currently share second place with 30 points, six shy of Inter. Juventus has returned to winning ways after their hiccough against Inter, but AC Milan have yet to recover from their defeat at the hands of Palermo and the exit from the Coppa Italia.

Another interesting aspect of Sunday’s fixture is the number of Rossoneri players such as Zambrotta, Abbiati, Inzaghi, Emerson and Ancelotti, who are all coming face to face with their former club.

The outcome of this game could very well decide which team keeps pace with table-topping Inter as the losing side would seriously damage their Scudetto chances.

Juventus

Last week’s drama against Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare saw Amauri clinch a last minute winner as Juventus grabbed all three points. Juventus’ performance was well below par but one player managed to shine through still. Sebastian Giovinco was handed a rare starting shirt as Ranieri had decided to rest Il Capitano.

The “Atomic Ant” stepped up and filled in for the missing captain superbly. The youngster was involved in every build-up and offensive raid throughout the game and on top of that he scored a fantastic free kick goal Del Piero would have proud of. Giovinco received excellent ratings and was voted man of the match.

On Wednesday’s Champions League outing against Belarusian side BATE Borisov the Bianconeri hardly lacked the chances—only the effectiveness in front of goal to convert them. Giovinco was handed his second consecutive starter and the pint-sized playmaker had a golden opportunity to decide the goalless stalemate as he stepped up to take a penalty—which he managed to balloon over.

The Bianconeri still have a fair amount of players out in Buffon, Trezeguet, Andrade, Zebina, Iaquinta, Salihamidzic and Poulsen. Camoranesi hopes to recover in time after dislocating his shoulder and Del Piero is back after being rested in the Lecce-game as a precautionary measure.

Manninger will fill in between the sticks for Buffon as usual and since defensive stalwart Legrottaglie will be serving a ban his place will be filled by Mellberg who will partner Chiellini in the centre defense. Grygera and Molinaro are set to make up the sides.

Marchionni did an excellent job against Bate and will start on the right flank in the case of Camoranesi not recovering on time with Sissoki and Marchisio making up the central midfield along with veteran Nedved on the left. Del Piero will partner up with Amauri in the attack—pushing Giovinco back to the bench.

Keep an Eye On

Del Piero. Il Capitano tends to step up during the important games and after being rested against Lecce and only receiving half an hour against Bate, Del Piero will be more than hungry for some action.

Probable XI

Manninger; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni, Sissoko, Marchisio, Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero

AC Milan

Milan played Catania at home last Sunday and an own-goal assisted by a Kaká header sealed the score as the Rossoneri barely got away with all three points. Lucky for Milan that Kaladze’s handball went unnoticed by the referee in the dying minutes of the game. Unlike like their opponent the Rossoneri didn’t have a midweek European game.

Last week Kaká went public with his discontent over his new position where he has to play a more defensive role than the offensive he is used to. The Brazilian has had a dip in form lately but looked inspired last Sunday as he created numerous chances. The chances were however not converted to goals as the players’ ineffectiveness in front of goal was close to unbelievable.

Like Juventus, Milan also has a number of key-players out injured. Gattuso is most likely out for the remainder of the season after the defensive midfielder sustained a knee ligament injury. Borriello, Bonera and Nesta are out injured but Ronaldinho, Pirlo and Seedorf remain uncertain cards.

Abbiati takes his place between the posts with Zambrotta, Kaladze, Maldini och Jankulovski forming the defense in front of him.

As Ronaldinho, Pirlo and Seedorf all still uncertain in the injury plagued midfield it is likely to consist of Flamini, Emerson and Ambrosini. Reports on Friday suggested that Kaká’s could miss out on the action due to injury but with no statement from the official website the Brazilian will most likely feature in his favorite position as attacking midfielder.

Shevchenko is likely to get a starter from Ancelotti considering the injuries and the Ukrainian who has already scored in both Coppa Italia and the Uefa cup is ready for his “debut goal” in Serie A as well. Shevchenko will thus be partnering Pato in the offense.

Keep an Eye On

Paolo Maldini. The veteran may not be as quick as he used to be but with his routine and experience he has a special eye for the game.

Probable XI

Abbiati; Zambrotta, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski; Flamini, Emerson, Ambrosini; Kaka; Pato, Shevchenko

Last Season

Juventus 3-2 AC Milan