Serie A Round 19: Who Will Lighten Giroud's Load for AC Milan? Salernitana Returns to Serie A with a Conservative Approach

On January 7th, Serie A's 19th round continued with AC Milan seeking to build on their recent successes. In a surprising turn of events, Serbian striker Luka Jović, signed by Milan only ten days after the season began as a last resort, has scored five goals in his last five matches. This unexpected boon for Milan could relieve some of the pressure on veteran Olivier Giroud if Jović maintains his form.

Meanwhile, bottom-of-the-table Salernitana, having strategically abandoned their cup match with a heavy defeat midweek, return to the league aiming for a more cautious and methodical approach.

Empoli vs. AC Milan: Is Jović Truly Revived?

In an unusual scheduling twist, both Milan clubs played early matches on Saturday and Sunday, a rarity in Serie A history. After Inter Milan’s last-minute win over Verona, AC Milan needed a victory to keep their slim title hopes alive. Meanwhile, Empoli, currently second from the bottom, were desperate for three points to keep pace with the teams above the relegation zone. Benefitting from Inter’s victory, Empoli could improve their standing with a win.

Empoli have not won in six consecutive matches and have failed to score in their last three. In their final game of 2023, they were completely outclassed by fellow relegation candidates Cagliari, managing only one shot on target. In the last five minutes of that match, Cagliari's veteran coach Claudio Ranieri made four substitutions, nearly overwhelming Empoli, who were fortunate to escape with a point.

AC Milan, on the other hand, began 2024 on a high note with a 4-1 victory over Cagliari in the Coppa Italia. Jović scored his fourth and fifth goals for Milan, all coming in his last five matches. If the Serbian striker continues this streak, Giroud will face significantly less pressure in the second half of the season. Additionally, 19-year-old Traoré scored his first senior goal for Milan, highlighting the club's ability to develop future stars even if they struggle to attract big names.

Empoli’s home record against Milan is mixed, but given their current form, Milan is favored to win 1-0 on the road.

Salernitana vs. Juventus: Will the Bottom Dwellers Suffer Another Heavy Defeat?

Despite remaining at the bottom of the table, Salernitana has shown signs of life under coach Filippo Inzaghi. In their last six matches, they have won twice and earned seven points, narrowing the gap to safety to just one game. A victory over Juventus would leave them just outside the relegation zone due to goal difference.

Inzaghi, known for his passionate playing style, has emphasized defense to spark Salernitana’s revival. In their last match of 2023, they secured their first clean sheet of the season with a 1-0 away win over Verona. Their defense was also key in their season's first win against Lazio, where they conceded only one goal. However, their backline remains inconsistent, leading to numerous heavy defeats, and they still have the worst defensive record in Serie A. For a team fighting relegation, occasional defensive stability can be the difference between survival and relegation.

Juventus, who have historically won the league every time they’ve collected 43 points or more after 18 rounds, are chasing a dominant Inter Milan. With the crucial Champions League knockout stages approaching in February, Juventus needs to keep their deficit within three points. In their final match of 2023 against Roma, coach Massimiliano Allegri continued to give playing time to young talents like 18-year-old Yildiz, who had recently scored his first Serie A goal. However, Yildiz was substituted in the 66th minute for Chiesa, who did not manage to impress in consecutive games. Juventus relied on Rabiot's goal to secure a 1-0 victory, marking their sixth one-goal win of the season in Serie A.

Midweek, Salernitana and Juventus clashed in an intense Coppa Italia match. With nothing to lose, Salernitana opted for an all-out attacking approach, which backfired, allowing Juventus to focus solely on their Serie A campaign.

Despite being a weaker team, Salernitana has managed to draw against top sides like Milan and Lazio, proving they are no pushovers. This match could see Salernitana snatch a 1-1 draw against Juventus.

Breaking Down the Matches

AC Milan’s Quest for Consistency

AC Milan’s key challenge is maintaining the momentum they’ve built up recently. The emergence of Jović as a reliable goal scorer provides a significant boost. If Jović can sustain his form, Giroud can be rested more frequently, preserving his fitness for critical matches. Traoré’s rise also adds depth to Milan’s attacking options, reducing the dependence on established stars.

For Empoli, their primary focus will be breaking their scoring drought. With a defense that has shown vulnerability, their strategy will likely center on a disciplined, defensive setup to frustrate Milan and possibly exploit counter-attacks. However, their recent form suggests that Milan, with their newfound attacking options, should have the upper hand.

Salernitana’s Defensive Resurgence

Salernitana’s mini-revival under Inzaghi is rooted in improved defensive performances. While they have the worst defensive record in Serie A, their recent clean sheet victories highlight a potential turning point. Inzaghi’s strategy against Juventus will likely prioritize a solid defensive setup, looking to hit on the break and capitalize on any defensive lapses by the Turin giants.

Juventus, aiming to stay within striking distance of Inter Milan, will need to approach this match with caution. Allegri’s pragmatic style, often favoring narrow victories, suggests a conservative approach. However, Juventus’ young talents like Yildiz and established stars like Rabiot and Chiesa will be crucial in breaking down a stubborn Salernitana defense.

Implications for the Title Race and Relegation Battle

For AC Milan, maintaining their pursuit of Inter Milan requires consistent victories, particularly against lower-ranked teams like Empoli. A win here would set a positive tone for the rest of the season and keep their slim title hopes alive.

Salernitana’s battle against relegation is equally intense. Every point is crucial, and a draw against Juventus would be a significant morale boost, proving they can compete against top-tier teams. Conversely, a loss would compound their relegation woes, emphasizing the importance of each defensive stand and counter-attack.

Both matches in Serie A’s 19th round encapsulate the broader narratives of title ambition and relegation survival, with AC Milan and Salernitana each facing critical tests. As the season progresses, these early January fixtures may prove pivotal in shaping the fortunes of both clubs.