Juventus head to AC Milan on Sunday with their sights firmly set on boosting their chances of securing Champions League qualification at the end of the season. While Inter Milan are nailed on to win the Serie A title this term, the battle to join them in the top four could feasibly go down to the final weekend. Milan and Napoli entered Matcday 34 locked together on 66 points with five games remaining, with Napoli’s win on Friday giving them the advantage in second place for the time being. Juventus are three
points adrift of that duo, while Como and Roma are five points behind fourth place.
Juventus strengthened their grip on a top four spot with a stylish 2-0 home victory over Bologna last weekend. Head coach Luciano Spalletti was understandably pleased with the performance. “We couldn’t afford to come into this with the wrong attitude and we started well, then we had to maintain that and take advantage of things during the game,” Spalletti said after the win.
“The guys did really well, and they shaped the game immediately by being able to score. We played with quality, with a level of players who deserve to be in the Champions League. We had an opportunity that we couldn’t afford to waste. Winning games makes a big difference – it gives you the chance to consolidate everything. We have to go out to try to win games.”
Juventus will now switch their attention to the trip to the San Siro, where they will face a Milan side which has been inconsistent in recent weeks. They have lost three of their last five outings in Serie A, and will be eager to bounce back to form when Juventus visit Milan. The fixture will undoubtedly be shaped by some key individual battles.
Let’s take a look.
Matteo Gabbia vs. Jonathan David
Jonathan David has failed to live up to expectations since joining Juventus on a free transfer last summer, but he still has time to redeem himself. He has shown improvement in recent games, most notably when he opened the scoring in last week’s victory over Bologna at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus are reportedly open to offers for David this summer, but could reconsider their stance if he ends the Serie A season with a flourish. The 26-year-old will be keen to demonstrate his talent, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. He will be crucial to Canada’s hopes of making progress at the tournament.
David’s battle with Milan defender Matteo Gabbia is expected to be a key element in the clash between Milan and Juventus at the San Siro this weekend. Milan struggled to produce their best form when the 26-year-old was recently sidelined with injury, but look more settled with him marshalling the backline at Verona last weekend.
Luka Modric vs. Manuel Locatelli
Luka Modric’s move to AC Milan last summer raised plenty of eyebrows, but he has proved that he still has what it takes to compete at a high level. The 40-year-old was recently named Croatia’s best player for the 13th consecutive year, underlining his consistency and influence for club and country.
While a tally of two goals and three assists in 32 Serie appearances looks modest on paper, Modric’s impact on Milan’s midfield should not be underestimated. His ability to retain possession is invaluable to Milan, allowing players with younger legs to make their mark in dangerous areas of the pitch.
Manuel Locatelli will need to keep a close eye on Modric at the San Siro, as he did when the two sides met in Turin earlier in the season. Locatelli undoubtedly had the upper hand on that occasion, but the Croatian star could cause him more problems in front of his own fans.
Christian Pulisic vs. Lloyd Kelly
Christian Pulisic has bagged eight goals and three assists in 26 Serie A appearances, which looks a respectable return at first glance.
However, delving deeper into his numbers paints a concerning picture. Pulisic has not scored since December 28 and has registered just one assist since them.
He was also hugely underwhelming for the United States as they were outclassed in recent friendly internationals against Belgium and Portugal.
With the start of the World Cup less than two months away, the 27-year-old winger will be desperate to rediscover his best form with Milan.
Defender Lloyd Kelly will need to be at his best to keep Pulisic in check, particularly when he drifts into wide areas on the pitch.
Kelly has helped Juventus keep five clean sheets in their last six outings, and is playing a key role as the team strives to secure Champions League qualification.
