Lorenzo Bettoni at San Siro reacts to Milan–Juventus and names the best and worst players in the Serie A showdown between Rossoneri and Bianconeri.
Different intensity
Milan secured a deserved victory over Max Allegri’s men, who had a good start but were unable to keep the pace high for more than 30 minutes. Those who have been watching the Old Lady consistently this term would not be surprised. Juventus were not able to match the Rossoneri’s intensity and lost many duels in every area of the pitch.
They looked confused when they had the ball at their feet, while Milan players always knew what to do despite some rotations from Stefano Pioli who started Matteo Gabbia at centre-back, Brahim Diaz and Tommaso Pobega. Milan’s performance is even more impressive because they played without several regular starters, including Mike Maignan, Davide Calabria and Alexis Saelemaekers.
Where was Bonucci?
The captain was among the first ones to collapse. When Brahim Diaz sprinted past the Italian, leading to Milan’s second goal, one wouldn’t believe the No.19 was the same defender who brought Italy to the top of European football barely a year ago, making it into the Euro 2020’s Ideal XI.
It seems quite obvious that the veteran defender misses somebody like Giorgio Chiellini and/or Andrea Barzagli close to him. It is no secret that they were an added value defensively and that Bonucci perfectly completed Juventus and Italy’s backline over the last decade. Now that they’re gone, Bonucci looks lost and so do Juventus.
Theo the difference maker
There’s a Milan with Theo and a Milan without Theo. The Rossoneri experienced two tough games against Empoli and Chelsea last week, but history changes when the Frenchman is on the pitch. Milan created so much on the left thanks to Theo and Rafael Leao who hit the post twice in the second half.
Juventus were simply not able to cope with their pace and physical strength, while Theo has also been proving exceptional defensive development. Juventus were never really dangerous on that side with Juan Cuadrado in the second half and Weston McKennie throughout the second 45 minutes.
Brahim on fire
The Spaniard is no new to scoring amazing goals against the Old Lady. You may remember his impressive strike in 2020-21 when he helped Milan seal a 3-0 win in Turin, crucial for the Rossoneri’s Champions League qualification, the first one in seven years. The Real Madrid loanee started in place of under-fire Charles De Ketelaere and matched Pioli’s expectations with a quality performance and one of the best goals of the season.
Top
Rafael Leao – The Portugal international didn’t score, but put in a stunning performance, typical of the reigning Serie A MVP. He hit the post twice in the first half and was a constant threat to Juventus’ defence. I’ve already mentioned Theo above. Milan have world-class players on the left flank.
Sandro Tonali – Adrien Rabiot and Manuel Locatelli disappeared in the middle of the park. Tonali has been one of Milan’s most consistent performers this term and tonight was more proof of his importance for the team.
Fikayo Tomori – It is true that Juventus didn’t produce much throughout the game, but the England international had been criticised, especially after the defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday, so he needed such a solid performance to boost his confidence. His goal was clearly pivotal to Milan’s triumph.
Flops
Alex Sandro – In a shaky Juventus defence, Alex Sandro matched Bonucci’s poor game, especially because Milan didn’t field a natural right winger with both Saelemaekers and Junior Messias on the treatment table. On paper, the Brazilian could have had a few chances to create numerical advantage on his flank. He never did it and struggled defensively.
Manuel Locatelli – The former local starlet looked like a fish out of water. He failed to cope with Milan’sntensity and pressing in the middle of the park and was replaced in the second half.
Dusan Vlahovic – The Serbia international was never involved, although he didn’t receive enough service from his teammates, starting from his compatriot Filip Kostic on the left. He was also subbed off and looked really irritated while on his way to the bench despite Max Allegri’s warm hug on the touchline. Overall, the entire Juventus squad was not up to the task at San Siro, and their coach also has responsibility for such a poor display.
We shall see when the Serbian Andy carroll and the polish Geoff horsfield make it out of Gabbia’s pocket.
allegri at fault again, however well done milan – deserved it
Gabbia and Diaz were particularly impressive. Hopefully both start against Chelsea.
Nah Beethoven Max comes top. The legend, scholar and creator of 1G dial up calcio made the excuse days ago and made sure to deliver it with priority shipping.
Milan won nothing for 10 years. Let them have their moment. Best team won.
Fatecisognare
I found it easier to take in only winning the super cup in that period before winning Serie A than watching my team lose two more european cup league finals 😩
Hard to call it. Both are clowns esp the last woman with her UX lol. But I give the edge to donkey 1 better known simply as gump. She does not realise its been nearly 3 decades since the 7/9 won in Europe. That era had dial up.
It also had you in your alleged prime, lawnmower man
And Rosario, who are you kidding? I have plenty of friends who support Milan and they suffered greatly in that period. Yes, we lost but won a lot too and contributed players to win the World Cup. I’ll take that over zeru tituli anytime.
Impotent attack ,incompetent defence and tinpot midfield. We all know what the manager is ……..
I was right donkey 1 better known simply as Forrest takes the gold medal for biggest deluded clown. A tight race with the other dingus in silver medal position. With PhD Yoga back back there will be no more titles as he is rolling up to encounters with his horse and carriage with 1 broken wheel.
Fatecisognare
Of course we suffered. But seeing another two champions league finals lost. Priceless.