Serie A Round 5 Preview: AC Milan's Confidence Restoration and Juventus' Assured Offense

As Serie A continues into its fifth round, AC Milan and Juventus find themselves navigating contrasting narratives. Milan, reeling from a heavy defeat in the Milan Derby, seeks to regain confidence. Juventus, on the other hand, is riding high on a wave of victories and offensive prowess. This preview dives into their respective challenges and opportunities in the upcoming fixtures.

AC Milan vs. Verona - Milan’s Backup Keeper Steps Up

AC Milan fans have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in recent weeks. Their crushing defeat in the Milan Derby left a bitter taste, nullifying the joy of their previous winning streak. The stark reality is that Inter Milan currently holds a superior squad, but what was more disheartening for Milan was their apparent lack of fighting spirit and determination in the derby. The 5-1 loss marked the first time in 49 years that Milan conceded five goals in a single match to Inter, shaking the team's morale.

In the Champions League, Milan faced Newcastle United, a team also grappling with self-doubt. Milan dominated the game, creating 25 shooting opportunities, but failed to convert these chances into goals. The psychological scars from the derby defeat were evident. Adding to their woes, Milan's first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan sustained an injury and was replaced by Marco Sportiello. Sportiello, who joined Milan on a free transfer after a stellar season with Serie B champions Frosinone, where he had the best defensive record, proved his worth by making a crucial save to secure a goalless draw.

With Maignan sidelined for at least a week, Sportiello is expected to start against Verona. Milan's task is made slightly easier by their opponents' struggles. Verona narrowly avoided relegation last season through a playoff, primarily due to their poor points tally in the early part of the season. However, under new coach Marco Baroni, Verona has had a promising start, currently sitting comfortably in mid-table with seven points. Baroni, known for his defensive acumen, managed Lecce last season, leading them to have one of the best defensive records in the lower half of the table. This season, Verona has conceded the third fewest goals in Serie A.

Despite Verona's defensive improvements, they have suffered five consecutive defeats against Milan and haven’t beaten them in over a decade. Milan, though bruised, still possesses the quality and determination to bounce back. A 2-0 victory for Milan seems a realistic outcome, given their need to restore confidence and the attacking potential they still possess.

Sassuolo vs. Juventus - Sustainable Use of Juventus’ Strike Duo

Sassuolo, a small club with a remarkable Serie A journey, finds itself in its 11th consecutive season in Italy's top flight. Their longevity in Serie A is nothing short of miraculous, but this season has started poorly. With just three points from the first four games, Sassuolo sits precariously above the relegation zone. Their defense has been particularly leaky, conceding nine goals, the second-most in the league. Last weekend’s match against Serie B champions Frosinone encapsulated their struggles. Despite a brace from newly signed striker Andrea Pinamonti, Sassuolo squandered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2, a result that has severely dented their morale.

In stark contrast, Juventus has begun the season with renewed vigor. Last season, plagued by injuries to key forwards Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic, Juventus struggled to find the back of the net. Despite these challenges, they amassed enough points to qualify for the Champions League, had it not been for a points deduction. This season, both Chiesa and Vlahovic have hit the ground running, each contributing significantly to Juventus' unbeaten start and nine-goal tally. Both players feature prominently among the league's top scorers.

Juventus' manager Massimiliano Allegri, however, faces the challenge of managing Chiesa's fitness, who has already shown signs of vulnerability, missing Italy's European Championship qualifiers due to injury concerns. Allegri's task is to use his star strikers judiciously to avoid overexertion and potential injuries.

Historically, Sassuolo has managed to upset Juventus, securing victories both home and away in the past two seasons. But Sassuolo's current form and confidence are shadows of their former selves. Juventus, boasting greater squad depth and quality, is likely to secure a comprehensive 3-0 victory, maintaining their strong start to the season.

Milan’s Path to Recovery

For AC Milan, the upcoming match against Verona is more than just about points; it is about restoring belief and momentum. The defeat in the derby was a harsh reality check, highlighting the gap between them and their city rivals, Inter. However, the Champions League performance, despite the draw, showcased Milan’s ability to dominate play and create opportunities. The absence of goals was not for lack of trying, and with Sportiello stepping in competently for Maignan, Milan can focus on converting their dominance into tangible results.

Sportiello’s performance against Newcastle was reassuring. His ability to step up in Maignan’s absence is crucial for Milan, providing a sense of stability at the back. Meanwhile, the attacking unit, led by Olivier Giroud, Rafael Leão, and Christian Pulisic, needs to rediscover their scoring touch. Verona’s improved defense under Baroni will pose a challenge, but Milan’s superior quality and depth should see them through.

Juventus’ Offensive Assurance

Juventus’ season so far has been a statement of intent. With Vlahovic and Chiesa leading the charge, Juventus have found the attacking verve they lacked last season. Allegri’s tactical flexibility, using a blend of experienced and young players, has paid dividends. The balance in midfield, provided by Manuel Locatelli and Adrien Rabiot, coupled with the defensive solidity of Gleison Bremer and Wojciech Szczęsny, forms a formidable spine.

Sassuolo’s defensive frailties offer Juventus an opportunity to continue their goal-scoring spree. However, managing Chiesa’s minutes will be crucial. The risk of injury to such a key player could derail Juventus’ campaign. Allegri’s strategy will likely involve an early onslaught to secure the game, allowing him to rest key players and give opportunities to squad members like Arkadiusz Milik and Moise Kean, ensuring fitness and readiness across the squad.

Key Players and Tactical Battles

For Milan, Rafael Leão’s pace and creativity will be pivotal in breaking down Verona’s resolute defense. His ability to stretch defenses and create space for others, combined with Giroud’s clinical finishing, will be Milan’s primary offensive threat. In midfield, the creativity of Tijjani Reijnders and the box-to-box energy of Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be crucial in maintaining control and dictating play.

Juventus will rely heavily on the dynamic duo of Vlahovic and Chiesa. Vlahovic’s physical presence and finishing ability complement Chiesa’s pace and dribbling skills, making them a formidable partnership. The midfield battle, likely featuring Locatelli and Rabiot, will be essential in controlling the game and providing the platform for the forwards to thrive. Defensively, Bremer and Szczęsny will need to maintain their concentration to neutralize any Sassuolo counter-attacks.

As Serie A’s fifth round unfolds, AC Milan and Juventus are poised to navigate their respective paths with different challenges and objectives. Milan aims to restore confidence and momentum against a resilient Verona, while Juventus looks to maintain their offensive dominance and manage key player fitness against a struggling Sassuolo. The outcomes of these matches will significantly influence their campaigns, setting the tone for the crucial phases ahead.