This Saturday, sixth Juventus travels to San Siro to face seventh AC Milan. Each groups will hope to bounce again from disappointing outcomes earlier than the worldwide break. La Vecchia Signora has managed solely two wins of their final six matches, whereas the Rossoneri have been held to a draw by a struggling Cagliari aspect that sits simply two factors off the underside of the desk.
AC Milan struggled early within the season, however has since improved. They’ve managed spectacular victories towards formidable opponents together with Inter Milan and Actual Madrid, solely to drop factors towards groups resembling Parma and Cagliari. Milan seems to thrive on massive events however typically performs right down to the extent of mid- and lower-table opponents.
Within the ultimate third of the pitch, Milan depends closely on their wingers to generate goal-scoring alternatives. The Rossoneri are significantly threatening on the left aspect of the ultimate third, as highlighted within the anticipated menace heatmap. That is largely because of Rafael Leão regularly driving at opposing right-backs and delivering diagonal balls throughout the eighteen-yard field from the touchline. A primary instance of that is Tijjani Reijnders’ third purpose towards Actual Madrid.
The objectives and photographs off the bar map additional helps this sample, displaying that a good portion of Milan’s objectives and threatening photographs come from the right-hand aspect of the eighteen-yard field. Curiously, Milan additionally creates appreciable menace from the decrease proper aspect of the ultimate third. This may be attributed to build-up performs, such because the one under towards Inter Milan the place Emerson Royal finds Tijjani Reijnders, who then locates Tammy Abraham into area behind the Nerazzurri protection, or from set items like Milan’s second purpose towards Inter.
Milan build-up play varies as evidenced by matches towards Cagliari and Actual Madrid. The distinction within the quantity of progressive passes from this zone in every recreation is unsurprising. In opposition to Cagliari, Milan was capable of transfer out of their very own half with ease, sustaining composure beneath minimal stress. In distinction, towards Actual Madrid, they confronted considerably extra resistance, even with the addition of an additional midfielder. In opposition to Cagliari, Paulo Fonseca opted for a two-man central midfield, whereas towards Actual Madrid, he deployed three central midfielders, with the addition of Yunus Musah.
In each matches, the variety of unsuccessful passes from the center of the pitch was notably low, reflecting Fonseca’s choice for a midfield anchored by Reijnders and Fofana. Whereas Milan’s midfielders managed to carry their very own, the wingbacks confronted extra challenges, significantly within the recreation towards Actual Madrid. Emerson Royal appeared hesitant to advance the ball and regularly resorted to brief passes to close by teammates. Though the variety of unsuccessful passes was low, the restricted quantity of progressive passes on the appropriate aspect suggests a insecurity in pushing ahead.
In distinction, Theo Hernández tried considerably extra lengthy progressive passes towards Actual Madrid in comparison with the match towards Cagliari. Nevertheless, many of those makes an attempt resulted in Milan dropping possession, highlighting the dangers related together with his extra aggressive strategy.
With Juan Cabal sidelined for the season because of damage, Andrea Cambiaso is anticipated to step in as left-back. Whereas taking part in on the left permits Cambiaso to focus on Milan’s proper aspect, the place Emerson Royal operates, it additionally leaves Nicolò Savona tasked with defending Rafael Leão. Given Savona’s inexperience, it may very well be a difficult night time for the younger Italian. Acknowledging Milan’s offensive power on that flank, with the duo of Theo Hernández and Rafael Leão, Thiago Motta will doubtless deploy Timothy Weah on the appropriate wing and Khéphren Thuram as a right-sided holding midfielder to supply extra defensive cowl.
AC Milan has demonstrated their means to problem high golf equipment, so if Juventus hopes to safe all three factors, they need to neutralize Milan’s menace on the left and apply constant stress on the wingbacks when in possession.