JUVENTUS v AC MILAN: MATCH PREVIEW

Lift our heads and give our supporters a nice victory in the last big match of the season. For the Rossoneri, it's time for another big game this time in the Serie A, Matchday 34 fixture against Juventus. The match kicks off at 18:00 CEST in Turin and the objective is to secure a second spot in the table. Let's delve into all aspects of Juventus v AC Milan with our Match Preview.

LATEST FROM MILANELLO
The moment is complicated for the Rossoneri. The Derby defeat, on the back of the Europa League elimination, has left a bitter taste. Pioli has no choice but to regroup and finish the season in the best possible way, aiming for second spot which would guarantee entry to the next Italian Super Cup. The game against Juventus represents a kind of match point in this sense, a direct clash to extend, or at least, keep the Bianconeri at a distance. The Rossoneri coach will have to deal with a defensive emergency caused by the suspension of Hernández, Calabria and Tomori, while Kalulu and Kjær are not available. Gabbia and Thiaw will be the centre-backs, with Florenzi, Musah and Terracciano available at full-back. Up-front the attacking lineup remains the same - out Jović -, with Leão captaining the side at Juventus Stadium.

In the pre-match press conference, Pioli said: "Juventus are a solid squad. It will be a delicate and difficult match, to be faced with determination and conviction. We cannot dwell on the recent negative results. We must have the strength and pride to fight until the end, trying to win every match. We face an opponent in good form, but we want to defend our second spot in the table".

LATEST FROM JUVENTUS
While the form in Serie A has been inconsistent in recent months, the Coppa Italia semi-final victory against Lazio has brought a new wave of enthusiasm. The Bianconeri's two victories in the last twelve Serie A outings have slowed their progress after previously being in contention for the title.  Beating AC Milan would provide momentum for the final stages of the season and put Allegri's team back in the race for second. Kean is the only unavailable player and in the classic 3-5-2, the choice is between Chiesa e Yıldız to partner Vlahović. Szczęsny, Gatti and Cambiaso are expected to return after being rested, with Alcaraz an option to play alongside McKennie in midfield.

Massimiliano Allegri said in his press conference, "Juventus v AC Milan is always a beautiful match to play. AC Milan are a strong team with quality players. We have to remain concentrated and play a good game to return to winning ways in the league. Victory won't be easy but we could still reach second place".

PRE-MATCH NUMBERS

• In the last six league matches between Juventus and AC Milan, there has been only one game where both teams scored, in the 1-1 of 19 September 2021. There have been four clean sheets for the Rossoneri and two for the Bianconeri in the other five games. 
• The Rossoneri have conceded just two goals in the last six matches against Juventus, an average of 0.6.
• AC Milan are the team that have scored the most goals from corner kicks in the championship (11) while Juventus have scored the fewest (2).
• Only Atalanta (51.6%) have registered more shots on target than AC Milan this season (51.4%). Juventus have a percentage of 40.7%, the lowest among the current top nine teams. 

WHERE TO WATCH JUVENTUS v AC MILAN
In Italy, the match will be broadcast by DAZN. To watch Juventus v AC Milan in a different country, you can consult the "AC Milan on TV" webpage, by clicking on the heading "Abroad". On the Rossoneri channels, Milan TV will provide live matchday coverage starting from 17:00 CEST and continuing up until shortly before kick-off. After full-time, there will be interviews and Coach Pioli's press conference. Also, not to be missed is the coverage on acmilan.com, the AC Milan Official App, our official Social Media profiles and WhatsApp.

LATEST FROM SERIE A
The referee will be 42-year-old Maurizio Mariani. The Roman official has been in charge of the last two league meetings between these sides. including the one on 28 May 2023 at San Siro. Mariani's last match, his 150 in Serie A, was the AC Milan win over Verona on 17 March. The Assistant Referees will be  Berti e Cecconi, the fourth official Ayroldi. On VAR will be La Penna, assisted by Aureliano.

Matchday 34 kicks off on Friday 26 April with Frosinone 3-0 Salernitana. In addition to Juventus v AC Milan at 18:00 CEST, the remaining games are as follows: Saturday 27 April Lecce v Monza (15.00 CEST) and Lazio v Hellas Verona (20.45 CEST). Sunday 28 April Inter v Torino (12.30 CEST), Bologna v Udinese (15.00 CEST), Napoli v Roma and Atalanta v Empoli (18.00 CEST), Fiorentina v Sassuolo (20.45 CEST). Matchday 34 concludes on Monday 29 April with Genoa v Cagliari (20:45 CEST).

Serie A standings: Inter 86; AC Milan 69; Juventus 64; Bologna 62; Roma 58; Atalanta* 54; Lazio 52; Napoli 49; Fiorentina* 47; Torino 46; Monza 43; Genoa 39; Lecce 35; Cagliari 32; Hellas Verona, Empoli and Frosinone° 31; Udinese 28; Sassuolo 26; Salernitana° 15. (* = game in hand, ° = played one game more)

The AC Milan PUMA Kits for 2023/24 are available: buy them now!