Week 9: Milan – Juventus

Follow the game as it happens, on the forum.

With the good result away to Chievo Milan now sit third in Serie A, level on points for second place, behind Roma. To be in third place is a good achievement and of course it is hoped the progress continues and is bolstered with new owners. Montella must take a good deal of the credit for these signs of hope and what looks to be greater metal strength. As Milan continue to be one of the younger teams, and now even younger with Locatelli a starter things are looking up.

Niang is one of those who has shown those signs of progress and his value to the team is being recognized. He will start alongside Bacca and Suso. Lapadula worked hard but missed chances in his start vs Chievo and will return to the bench. Montella will keep the same midfield trio and hope for continued improvement from Bonaventura in particular. In defence Antonelli and now Calabria will be absent so Abate and De Sciglio will continue to start. Paletta and Romagnoli have their places secured but Zapata has returned to training after a long absence.

In goal this is another chapter in the battle of veteran vs future in Gianluigi Buffon vs Donnarumma.

Juventus’ Medhi Benatia will continue to deputize for the absent Giorgio Chiellini. First placed Juventus are coming off a 1-0 away win at Lyon in the champions league and will have some other notable absentees in Mario Mandzukic and Marko Pjaca.

In the larger context a good result in this game will strengthen team morale and will mean more than any number of points in the table.