AC Milan – Juventus : Preview & Prediction
Not even a 92nd minute equalizer could deny AC Milan a win against Empoli, as they responded with two stoppage time goals to close out their final Serie A (SA) match with a 3-1 win, the fourth match in SA history to have three or more goals after the 90th minute. However, Milan were unable to capitalize on the good momentum in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and recorded a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Chelsea, losing their chances of remaining as Group E leaders.
The Rossoneri now face Juventus in SA, where they have lost just one of their last seven official matches (G2, E4). Their good momentum suggests that the team should bounce back from the UCL setback, but it should be remembered that Milan’s last home game was a 2-1 loss to Napoli that ended a run of six straight home wins. That defeat was the first at their stadium in an official engagement since January, and they have not strung together two home defeats in a row in SA since 2019.
Juventus beat Bologna 3-0 in their last league fixture, and followed it up with a 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa in UCL, in what was a good response from the team to Massimiliano Allegri’s request to start from scratch after the international break. The latest victory came with three assists from Angel Di Maria in an inspired performance, but the player will not be present for this clash as he remains suspended in league action.
The Argentine saw red in Juventus’ last away game, which was a 1-0 loss to newly promoted Monza, owned by former Milan president Silvio Berlusconi. Juventus continue to fail to perform on rival soil and their last away win dates back to April, with four defeats in their next six games away from their home stadium (E2), scoring only three goals in those games.
Players to watch: Rafael Leão was absent for Milan’s home loss to Napoli due to injury, returning with a goal and assist against Empoli, and recording two goals and another assist in the crucial win over Inter in early September. Meanwhile, Dušan Vlahović has scored or assisted in his last four official matches for club and country.
Key stat: 16 of the last 20 goals in matches between these teams have been registered in the second half.
AC Milan – Juventus : Betting Tips
BTS/YES Odds: 2.25
