Massive 3-1 win in San Siro for the Bianconeri, despite Cuadrado and Alex Sandro missing from the squad list due to positive COVID-19 tests. This win over Milan, along with Inter and Napoli's losses, now places Juve at 4th place on the table.
STARTING XI
4-4-2
#1- Szczesny
#13- Danilo
#19- Bonucci
#4- De Ligt
#38- Frabotta
#22- Chiesa
#30- Bentancur
#25- Rabiot
#8- Ramsey
#10- Dybala
#7- Ronaldo
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
The match immediately got off to an exciting start, with Frabotta giving Dybala a deflected chance in the 2nd minute. Soon after, a mistake gave AC Milan a chance for goal but Szczesny easily makes the save. For the next 20 minutes or so, Juve dominate the field completely and continuously make attacks to threaten to the home team. In the 15th minute, Chiesa's shot is denied by the post.
Inevitable! Three minutes later, Chiesa passes in-field from the right side to Dybala, who makes a beautiful backheel assist to the Bianconeri's #22. Chiesa puts the ball into the bottom left corner of the net, and Juve lead 1-0 in San Siro.
After a couple of chances from both sides and good saves from Szczesny, the Rossoneri level at the 41st minute. Despite a possible foul on Rabiot, the VAR is not checked, and the goal stands. The first half ends 1-1.
The second half started again with fast action and Szczesny makes a save two minutes in. Bentancur receives a yellow for a foul at the 60th minute, soon followed by another Dybala + Chiesa goal. Immediately after, however, the two are subbed off for McKennie and Kulusevski after a minor injury on Chiesa. Arthur and Bernardeschi enter the field soon after for Bentancur and Ramsey as well.
Pirlo's substitutions pay off! In the 76th minute, Kulusevski makes a run down until the very end of the right field, passes in front of the goal, and McKennie is there! The American youngster bangs in the goal, for his third goal since his arrival earlier this season. The game ends 3-1!
AFTER-MATCH THOUGHTS
Pirlo:
“It was a key game for us and we were focused on what we needed to do, regardless of the other results. It was important to have the spirit of a team that wants to dictate the play and can come to this stadium to beat the league leaders... We produced a good performance... As for their goal, there was a foul on Rabiot and the game should’ve been stopped, but we then made mistakes as a team. Our positioning wasn’t good and we were a bit slow to react. ”
Chiesa:
“I’m fine. I had a small hip problem, but no muscle issues. It’s nothing serious. I’m happy with the consistency in my performances... You have greater responsibility at Juve. I always try to help the side out defensively and I’m also pleased when we manage to dig in together and stand firm. We’ve got a fantastic result as a team this evening and we’re very pleased.”
JUVENTINA'S THOUGHTS
Such an important win. With these three points brought home from Milan, Juve not only end the Rossoneri's unbeaten streak but more importantly close the gap to the top of the table. With Serie A matches against Sassuolo and Napoli coming up, the next two matches are also absolutely crucial. If the Bianconeri are able to keep up this top performance into the new year, they will be one step closer to the 10th Scudetto. In terms of today's individual performances, Chiesa was exceptional, as well as Dybala and Szczesny. Despite what I first thought was a confusing substitution from Pirlo, McKennie and Kulusevski also proved to be great additions on the pitch. McKennie has already scored three goals in three important matches against Torino, Barcelona, and now AC Milan, and has been in top shape for the past few months. Bonucci, De Ligt and Danilo were solid in defense, and each made important blocks in crucial moments of the game. Ronaldo was just okay this match, not making any direct contributions to the Bianconeri's goals. Ramsey and Bentancur made a few mistakes that could have proved disastrous for the team, especially with the latter making a dangerous challenge already with a yellow card on him. In all, this was a great match and a deserved win for Juve- let's keep it up.
