The Serie A title race is already heating up, and this Sunday brings one in every of its defining early moments. Milan travels to Turin to face Juventus in what guarantees to be a fiery encounter between two of Italy’s nice soccer powers. On the coronary heart of the anticipation lies a tactical thriller — who will begin in Milan’s assault and midfield between Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, and Luka Modric, three gamers who’ve turn into essential to Massimiliano Allegri’s resurgent facet. For Milan, the mission is obvious: defend the highest spot and proceed the profitable streak. For Juventus, it’s about halting that momentum and reclaiming a way of dominance that when outlined the Bianconeri.
When these two giants meet, historical past weighs closely. Between them, the 2 golf equipment boast 55 Serie A titles and 9 European Cups, making each encounter a mirrored image of Italy’s soccer soul. However this time, there’s extra at stake than delight — Milan leads the standings by one level, whereas Juventus, now coached by Igor Tudor, is determined to show its title credentials.
The Previous Woman enters the match unbeaten within the final ten league video games, although current kind suggests a facet struggling for rhythm. Their defence, normally a supply of delight, has been uncharacteristically porous. Particular person errors and late lapses have price them precious factors. In opposition to the Rossoneri’s rejuvenated entrance line, that might be deadly.
For Massimiliano Allegri, this fixture carries deep emotion. The Milan boss returns to face the membership he as soon as led to glory, having gained 5 Serie A and 5 Coppa Italia titles with Juventus earlier than a stormy departure in 2024. His public meltdown throughout the Coppa Italia closing left scars in Turin, but additionally renewed his starvation. Now, again at San Siro for a second stint, Allegri has overseen a exceptional turnaround.
Will Pulisic, Gimenez, and Modric play?
The thriller surrounding Milan’s lineup has turn into the match’s greatest speaking level. Followers have debated for days who Allegri will begin within the attacking setup — however one choice has already been made.
In response to Il Quotidiano Sportivo, Christian Pulisic will lead the road as soon as once more. The USMNT star, who has already scored six objectives in Serie A and the Coppa Italia this season, has been Milan’s most harmful weapon. His mixture of tempo, creativity, and scientific ending has made him the early favourite for the prime goalscorer title.
Alongside him, Santiago Gimenez — the prolific Mexican striker — is anticipated to begin over Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku, each of whom will seemingly start on the bench. Gimenez’s kind since arriving from Feyenoord has been fluctuating, however it’s his chemistry with Pulisic that has shortly developed into one in every of Milan’s most potent attacking partnerships.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his crew’s third aim together with his teammate Luka Modric
Behind them, Luka Modric has added calm and sophistication to the Pink and Blacks’ midfield. The Croatian veteran’s imaginative and prescient and composure have remodeled the crew’s play, providing an ideal steadiness to the vitality of Adrien Rabiot and Youssouf Fofana. His inclusion brings each expertise and management — two qualities Allegri will depend on towards his former membership.
Predicted lineups
Predicted Milan XI (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Gimenez.
Predicted Juventus XI (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Gatti, Kalulu, Kelly; Cambiaso, Locatelli, McKennie, Kostic; Yıldız, Conceicao; Openda.
