3' min
It’s another Milan derby under the Arabian desert skies, reminiscent of the clash two years ago that marked the end of Pioli’s honeymoon with the Rossoneri fans. Inter secured their final spot with a dominant performance against Atalanta, while Milan reached it after a chaotic 2-1 victory over Juventus - more a battle of errors than tactical brilliance, like a tense tennis match decided by unforced mistakes.
Juventus took the lead in the first half, capitalizing on defensive blunders. Theo Hernandez’s hesitation and a slip by Thiaw allowed Yildiz - who wasn’t even supposed to start - to score after stepping in last-minute for Francisco Conceição, sidelined during warm-up due to a groin issue. The anticipated showdown between father and son was off the cards, and Yildiz’s heroics were short-lived. Juventus collapsed after the hour mark. Locatelli’s reckless challenge brought down Pulisic in the box, and the American blasted his penalty into the net. Moments later, Gatti - already infamous for a similar error against Inter in February 2024 - scored an own goal, handing Milan the lead.
Milan’s comeback wasn’t sheer luck. The team showed grit and composure when it mattered most. On his debut, Conceição made the right adjustments: Musah, subbed in for an exhausted Bennacer early in the second half, delivered the decisive cross that led to Gatti’s own goal, while Tammy Abraham led counterattacks that pinned Juventus back in the closing stages.
On the other hand, Thiago Motta’s substitutions didn’t yield the desired impact. Taking off Vlahovic and Mbangula for Nico Gonzalez and Cambiaso backfired. The Serbian striker had been ineffective, but Mbangula, the talented Belgian playmaker, had shown flashes of creativity. The new entries failed to influence the game, leaving Juventus toothless in attack.
Disappointed but composed, Motta defended his decisions: “Substitutions are always made with the team’s best interests in mind. It’s easy to judge after the fact.” However, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the team’s shortcomings: “We can’t be satisfied. We conceded two goals with very little resistance. We should have dictated the tempo, but we didn’t. Improvement starts with me. This was a key match, and missing out on the final hurts. It was a missed opportunity.”
Juventus’ sporting director Giuntoli provided some cover for Motta, addressing the media before the match: “We urgently need a defender.” Meanwhile, fans are hoping for reinforcements in attack, with Zirkzee, who’s struggling at Manchester United, emerging as a dream signing.
Conceição’s Milan now prepares for the final showdown against Inzaghi’s Inter. Although his predecessor, Fonseca, defeated Inter in Serie A last September, this time the stakes are higher. A trophy - and the hearts of the Milan fans who had wanted him at the helm last summer - is on the line. The Rossoneri faithful made their presence felt at the stadium, alongside a strong contingent of local supporters who cheered them on from start to finish. Unlike the semi-empty stands during Inter’s match against Atalanta, the Juventus-Milan encounter drew a full house - a testament to the enduring allure of a clash between two giants of football history.
