JUVENTUS v AC MILAN: THE BRIEFING

One year ago in Turin, we mathematically qualified for the Champions League and this time it could happen again with a win, sealing a return to Europe via the front door. We need to react, we need to go again. In the Briefing, we get into Juventus v AC Milan on Matchday 34 of Serie A, scheduled for Saturday 27 April at 18:00 CEST.

DIFFERENT MOODS FOR A HOTLY-CONTESTED SPOT
Maybe not opposite, but Juventus and AC Milan come to the big game in very different moods: the Rossoneri are wounded after the derby and Europa League elimination; the Bianconeri happy with their spot in the Coppa Italia final, whilst losing at the Olimpico and not having a stunning run in the league. State of mind could factor into the game, in the approach and managing it. AC Milan should bring pride and ruthlessness, even more so since they're playing away against a big opponent in a difficult ground. There is the second spot at stake: the Rossoneri sit 5 points above the Bianconeri, beware counting on mathematics, but a draw would be less positive for Juventus, behind and forced to win points if hoping for a comeback. Expect aggressive hosts, it is essential not to show up unprepared.

SPECIAL DEFENSIVE FORCES
AC Milan will have to face an emergency in defence with Calabria, Hernández and Tomori all suspended. The choices will be almost out of necessity, certainly the backline will look like something new behind a number of other uncertainties to test on the pitch. But aside from players, the Rossoneri will need to put in a show of solidity and focus: errors were made against Roma and Inter, and we paid for it, conceding an above-average number of goals. Juventus has a defensive department with a clear idea, they have conceded less in the league and kept more clean sheets. Both sides, anyhow, are struggling to remain watertight, so the game may tip based on movements at the back.

ATTACKERS OFF THE BENCH
It's an evening of strikers with a distance duel between Giroud and Vlahović, the top scorers for their respective sides, on the horizon and the ideal stage for the fast and productive talents of Leão and Chiesa, it could also be the "twelfth man" to make the difference on an offensive level. Those players that start on the bench could come on and change the game. AC Milan: Chukwueze firstly, but Okafor and Jović could also come on to change things up. Juventus: Milik after his good game against Lazio, just like Yıldız and Weah. Attack in the spotlight, with potentially a few excellent surprises, but it's up to Pioli and Allegri to play their cards in the right moments.

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