From the challenge of revelations to that of pride. Juventus-Milan could have been a high-ranking match, but it won't be, at least not entirely. In fact, only the black and whites are stationed in the noble area, while the red and blacks, although aiming to get there, are rather detached. Both are going through a difficult period, albeit with different results, both are called to an important test, which triggers that still jammed mechanism. It seems incredible, but Juventus also has its problems and if in Italy, in the midst of a thousand controversies, the results covered them, it is not the same in Europe, where instead they exploded even too loudly.
“It doesn't surprise me that everyone is trying to destabilize the environment, after all the enemy is hiding everywhere – roared Conte, quoting Francis Ford Coppola (the phrase comes from the Godfather), but also a bit Josè Mourinho. – A month and a half ago I said it would be very difficult to win the Scudetto again, so I'm not surprised at the difficulties. Having said that, in the league we have won 5 games and only drawn at the San Siro against Inter, ahead of us there is only Roma who are doing extraordinary things. Statistics show that in Italy we suffer fewer shots than anyone else and that in Europe we have created more chances than our opponents, yet on the one hand we have already conceded 5 goals and on the other hand only managed two draws. There were a few too many individual mistakes, as well as a bit of bad luck. But when the air starts to get warm I'm sure my boys will play with the right attitude. They want to amaze, but they know it won't be easy: it's no good for anyone to win Juve again."
A full-blown speech, like a true iron sergeant as Antonio Conte knows how to be. On the other hand, the real limitation highlighted up to now by his team is precisely the reduction in appetite, and who knows if the coach's speech might inspire him. At Milanello however, in perfect Allegri style, the tones were decidedly lower, but this does not mean that the match is not felt. In fact, looking at the rankings, it is the Rossoneri who have a real need to win, even though everyone knows the very high difficulty coefficient of the appointment. Beating the Italian champions, even at the Stadium, would be complicated even with a full squad, let alone now.
“It will be a difficult race – admitted Allegri – we will have to be balanced. We will find a poisoned Juve because they will want to redeem the half misstep against Galatasaray, where they deserved to win. We'll have to face them with head and heart, woe to relax. There will be a fight." A very dear term even at Juve, where the victories of recent years have come thanks to the fight. Now someone seems to have lost his killer instinct, but Conte doesn't think so at all: “We have the same points as last year, and even then, just in this period, the performances weren't up to par with the results. I hear the same speeches, the same criticisms, but a month ago there was talk of unstoppable Juve. I feel like smiling, more balance is needed”.
The concept is also shared in the Milan home, where they don't even remotely dream of finding an opponent in crisis. "But imagine - Allegri replied - they continue to play excellent football and remain the favorites for the title". He too would like to fight for something big, but, at least for the moment, the word Scudetto can't even be mentioned, except by telling jokes. However, the cabal offers a precedent that heartens the Rossoneri spirits: last season's comeback began precisely by beating Juve. “The championship was more balanced – admitted Allegri, however. – We will have to give continuity to the results, then I am sure that we will play well in Turin".
It will be an exciting match, even if many luxury performers will be missing. Antonio Conte will have to do without Vucinic and Lichtsteiner, Massimiliano Allegri without a fleet in which Balotelli, Kakà and El Shaarawy stand out. The Juventus coach will continue along the lines of recent times, therefore with the turnover. Tonight it will be Pogba's turn to watch his teammates from the bench, Marchisio will play in his place, already Milan's executioner two seasons ago. The Rossoneri, on the other hand, cannot afford rotations and the only ballot concerns Nocerino and Muntari, with the first favourite. Replaced Lichtsteiner with the faithful Padoin, Conte instead has a doubt for the deputy Vucinic: Quagliarella is in great shape and is the favourite, but Milan's problems in the air play suggest Llorente.
