Juventus-Milan, a match valid for the 34th matchday of Serie A, ended with a score of 0-0 at the Allianz Stadium. Sportiello’s saves and Thiaw’s save were decisive. Let’s see together match analysis in five distinct points.
1) Juventus dangerous, but dry: Champions League at risk?
Juventus tried until the end. He shot seven times on target, challenged Sportiello repeatedly, was denied by Thiaw for a goal that was practically won and attacked throughout the second half. But in the end, against a Milan in total emergency, another little point arrived. A 0-0 which now scares the Bianconeri. Roma and Bologna away, Salernitana and Monza at home. Looking at the rankings and other teams’ matches, at least six points are needed to guarantee participation in the next Champions League. Far from being a given, especially for a team that struggles so hard to finish and score goals.
2) Milan satisfied only with the result
Pioli breathed a big sigh of relief at the end of the match. It was essential to emerge from Turin undefeated for Milan and the final 0-0 actually rewarded the Devil, who reached 70 in the standings and maintained second place at +5 on the Bianconeri. Thanks go to Sportiello and Thiaw above all, because the Rossoneri – in a great defensive emergency – risked capitulating several times. And in 90 minutes plus injury time they never managed to challenge Szczesny. The point was good, the defensive attitude was good, but the performance was not positive at all.
3) What a revenge for Thiaw, who wants to be a protagonist in the future
The best on the pitch was Malick Thiaw, who in one evening took revenge on those who were starting to suspect his qualities. After finishing last season on a high note, after a long injury and a stuttering return, the young German defender really needed a performance like this to find himself and demonstrate that he can deserve the trust of the Rossoneri club in the future. The physical means are remarkable, the attention in marking too. Now he must find continuity and feel good. Next season he will be able to prove that he is an added value.
4) Yildiz needs time, which is still not very concrete
The star of Kenan Yildiz did not shine, preferred by Allegri to Chiesa in the starting 11 and left on the field even after the entry of the national team winger. Yildiz is always lively, has strength in his legs and ideas. But – especially in recent months – he is obviously struggling to establish himself continuously. Not very concrete, not very decisive and cynical when it’s time to start again and finish. Obviously the technical means are exaggerated and so is his personality. He must be waited for and Juventus (who seem intent on giving him the number 10 shirt in the future) will have to wait for him, knowing that at 18 or 19 or 20 you can experience such evenings.
5) Chukwueze and Okafor deserve more space in this finale
8 minutes for the Nigerian, 19 for the Swiss. Not much this time either, although Giroud and Pulisic were far from brilliant. Yet Pioli gave little space to the two Rossoneri “luxury reserves”, continuing with his usual preferences. From a future perspective, given that second place is now practically secure, Chukwueze and Okafor deserve to find more space in the final days. At least to demonstrate that he belongs to Milan and that he can grow at the Rossoneri next season.
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