The wait is over. After the break for the national teams, the championship restarts and does so immediately with one of its most delicious "dishes". Juventus-Milan (20.45 pm), as well as for historical reasons, is also a fundamental match in terms of standings: Rossoneri (sixth with 20 points) and bianconeri (seventh with 18) really can't afford any missteps.
“We have to win to overtake them in the standings and start the comeback – Allegri thought at the press conference. – Between now and the Christmas break we will have a decisive period, even if I don't think I can make up many points in such a short time. Our goal is the Scudetto but now we only have to think about Milan." “I think it's useless to reiterate the importance of this match – replied Mihajlovic. – We know the strength of Juve but we will play on an equal footing to win”. Tension and excitement on both sides, on the other hand this could be the key moment of the season and the discussion, as previously mentioned, is valid for everyone.
On paper, despite starting behind in the standings, the Bianconeri are the favourites: the bookmakers, just to give an example, don't seem to have any doubts about the outcome of the match. “Around Milan there is a strange atmosphere – confirmed Mihajlovic. – When we win they say we could have done better, when we lose or draw we immediately talk about a decisive match. In the last 5 games we have averaged more than 2 points, only Napoli and Roma have done better than us. If we keep this pace at the end of the championship we will be third”. The Serb's speech is impeccable: the numbers, at least the most recent ones, are on his side. The problem is that Berlusconi doesn't seem to particularly like his football, which is why the results, already very important in themselves, become even fundamental.
Similar situation for Massimiliano Allegri, if possible even more under pressure from his Rossoneri colleague. His bench, paradoxically, seems firmer in the immediate future but the situation changes when it comes to the future. Only a rise in the standings will allow him to stay at Juve again next year and this, without a shadow of a doubt, also passes through today's match.
For the first time, the Tuscan coach will be able to count on the full squad (except for the "usual" Caceres), which further increases the doubts about training. The latest from Vinovo speak of a 4-3-3 with Buffon in goal (thus the captain will celebrate his 20-year career), Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini and Evra in defence, Khedira, Marchisio and Pogba in midfield, Cuadrado, Dybala (favourite on Mandzukic) and Morata in attack. But beware of the 4-3-1-2 hypothesis: in that case the attacking midfielder would be Hernanes, with Cuadrado sensationally on the bench.
A few more problems for Mihajlovic, forced to give up Bertolacci and De Jong in addition to the usual Menez, Balotelli and Diego Lopez. The coach has two solutions: the more "conservative" one (Poli in the midfield) and the more "aggressive" one (Niang in attack and Bonaventura behind). He will opt for the latter, reflecting his will to try to win. The 4-3-3 will be made up of Donnarumma in goal, Abate, Alex, Romagnoli and Antonelli in defense, Kucka, Montolivo and Bonaventura in midfield, Cerci, Bacca (favorite over Luiz Adriano) and Niang in attack. Two offensive teams, chasing 3 fundamental points for ranking and morale. Because after tonight's result everything will be different, for better or for worse.
