Match Report: AC Milan vs Juventus (28.10.2017)

It was a game many were predicting over the summer that would be played between two title contenders, fast forward two months and it didn’t quite turn out that way. Juventus travelled to Milan to face a side lying in 8^th place with mounting pressure on their manager Vincenzo Montella to turn things around. Former Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci would watch on from the stands, due to a red card suspension for elbowing Genoas Aleandro Rosi the previous week. The game would be played in front of a 78,328 capacity crowd, and it would not disappoint.

The match started lively for Milan, as both Suso and Calhanoglu had efforts blocked in the opening 10 minutes. However, from then onwards Juventus would start to put pressure on Milan and it would eventually pay off 23 minutes in as Gonalzo Higuaín got himself on the end of a Dybala pass to lash the ball into the net and score his 100^th league goal. Milan would enjoy good spells of possession as they looked to get themselves back into the game, the biggest chance for the Milan club coming on the 45^th minute as calhanoglu flicked on a Rodriguez cross into the path of Kalinic who had his effort saved at point blank range from Buffon, who did just enough to see the shot hit the cross bar, the danger would not be over though as Rugani was needed to charge down Calhanoglu and prevent his effort from making it 1-1

The second half started off with more of the same, Milan having chances but ultimately not threatening Buffon enough to score, Kessie striking high into the crowd and Chiellini blocking an effort by Kalinic. Juventus would have chances of their own soon after but Dybala would also send both his efforts high and into the crowd, as it appeared La Joya had left his goal scoring boots back in Turin. The second goal for Juventus would eventually come, as 64 minutes in Higuaín once again struck to make it 2-0, this time on the end of a Dybala dummy from Asamoah’s pass outside the penalty area, with an effort ricocheting off the bottom corner post and into the net leaving Donnarumma no chance. Juventus would have another good chance as Chiellini saw his header go over the Milan goal from a free kick. With 10 minutes remaining Matuidi came on to replace Khedira as Juventus looked to keep possession and see out the remainder of the game as the fouls mounted up. Kessie would have an effort blocked on the 89^th minute that was followed up with Buffon punching the deflection clear and out of danger as the game approached full time

Talking points: Many positives and few if any negatives. Higuaín looked very much like the striker Juventus paid 90m for last summer, contributing for his team mates and scoring two impressive goals. The team overall played well, with Rugani also putting in a top performance in the Juve defence. Next up Sporting Lisbon in the champions league!

FULL TIME: AC Milan 0-2 JUVENTUS

GOAL SCORERS: HIGUAIN (23), (63)