Three questions and three answers after the 0-0 draw at the Stadium, which left both Allegri’s Rossoneri and Tudor’s Bianconeri with regrets
Juve-Milan was a test: a face-off between two teams that say they want to finish at least fourth but dream of winning the Scudetto. There was a lot to understand. What did the match reveal? Let’s start with a premise: it’s hard to understand what a Scudetto match is in October. Last week’s Milan-Napoli match was one: barring any major surprises, those two teams will battle it out until March and beyond. Roma-Inter after the break promises to be one too. And Juve-Milan?
Once again, Juve did not lose: unbeaten in Serie A like Atalanta. The only two. It cannot be a coincidence, considering that they have also proven themselves in the Champions League. Of course, the quality is there, even if against Milan we saw just the right amount: Yildiz, Conceiçao, Vlahovic, even Openda, although he has been mysterious in recent weeks. Milan, on the other hand, is incredibly solid, both defensively and in the principles that guide the team. When you see Milan, you know how they will play, who their key players will be, how the game will start. They concede few shots—Juve had three shots on goal and had done even better in the past—and on the pitch they almost always give the impression of controlling the game.
What is missing TO WIN?— With Juve, it’s easier. They lack stability, they lack compactness, they lack a clear idea of what the hierarchies are. Within the same game, Juve frequently turns the switch on and off. Tudor has used eight different formations in eight games, and the comparison with Milan – the team that has used the fewest starters in Serie A – is very clear. Up front, a solution will have to be found sooner or later: if not a trident that always plays, then at least a reliable starting center forward. Vlahovic, after a great start, has become sad. David is still not comfortable in Italy. Milan has a similar issue up front, because Gimenez moves very well but can’t find the net, and Leao… remains Leao, with his aiming problems.
Who are the key players?— The most difficult question. For Juve, the first answer leads to Vlahovic and David. Tudor has other certainties: Bremer just needs to stay fit, Yildiz will continue to make his mark, and Thuram will make his presence felt in the middle. One of the two center forwards needs to take charge of the team, earn his place with a shoulder charge and, quite simply, score 15 goals. For Milan, it’s easy to talk about Leao and Gimenez for similar reasons. For a less obvious answer, look to Maignan and Saelemaekers. These are the positions where Milan has the biggest difference between the starting player and the substitute. If Maignan plays at Scudetto level and Saelemaekers continues with his dual offensive and defensive work, Milan will be in a good position.
The verdict— Who has the best chance of winning the Scudetto? Milan went home sadder about the result but more optimistic about the spring. They have issues to resolve but also rock-solid certainties. Juve, on the other hand, is a work in progress and has yet to take a clear direction. Yes, Milan has a better chance. It is no coincidence that the coaches’ expressions at the press conference were different: Allegri was more serene, Tudor more tense. Ah, Tudor. He was asked who he thought was the favorite to win the Scudetto. Do you know what he replied? Inter.
