Week 34: Juventus – Milan
The derby unfolded as some feared. Milan looked unconvincing at best and the tactics, notably starting Leao as a more central striker, did not work as many expected too. Some late urgency added little to the saddening and even humiliating sight of Inter winning the Scudetto in front of Milan fans. Pioli’s future brought into more question has perhaps been sealed now. Some of the supposed replacement choices look to be questionable but that’s for later.
The manner in which the derby ended exposed another Milan weakness. Theo got involved with Denzel Dumfries again and will be suspended for this week 34 match at Juventus. Calabria’ elbow hit on Davide Frattesi was reckless and has handed the right back a two game suspension. To top it off Tomori’s yellow makes him the third player to miss this clash with the third placed team. Kjaer and Kalulu’s absence means that Gabbia and Thiaw are the only two available center backs. Florenzi and Musah are set to play left and right back respectively. Terracciano remains an option at full back. Bennacer and Reijnders will start in front the back four. Leao, Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic will start behind Giroud. The latter is on his way to LAFC of the MLS and his departure will kick the search for a new (young) striker into high gear.
Juventus are going their own version of league struggles with only one Serie A win since the beginning of March. However the gap between the two teams is only five points and if Milan want to keep the second place race secure points are needed.
Follow this match and more, including the transfer window, on the forum.