AC Milan vs Juventus

AC Milan host Juventus in the big match of Round 14 at the San Siro. Both sides come into this match off of big wins in the previous week but Juve have been by far the more consistent of the two clubs. For AC Milan it will be their final Serie A match before traveling to Japan for the World Club Championship.

Claudio Ranieri’s side were outstanding last week when they hammered Palermo by a score of 5-0 at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. That victory leaves them just behind Inter Milan in 2^nd place of the Serie A table with 25 points, 3 points back. It must be pointed out however that both 3^rd place Roma and Inter Milan have a match in hand on Juve. A big factor behind the vecchia signora’s superb form in this their first season back in top flight football has been the play of David Trezeguet. He is going through perhaps his best season ever in Italy and currently leads the Serie A in scoring with 11 goals. Together with strike partner Iaquinta they have combined for 17 goals.

Carlo Ancelotti’s club were also successful last week as they scored a 1-2 victory over the struggling Cagliari at the Sant’Elia. Milan have been a very impressive side away from home and that was their 4^th win. The problem for Milan is that those are the only matches they have managed to win this year. At home they have posted just 4 draws and 2 losses. This leaves them in 9^th place of Serie A with 17 points, 1 point behind 8^th place Palermo.

On the injury front, Ancelotti will be without both Jankulovski and Ronaldo for this match. Therefore, the rossoneri will stick with the 4-3-2-1 with top scorer Kaka’ playing alongside Clarence Seedorf just behind Gilardino. Juventus will be without Italy world cup winning winger Mauro German Camoranesi and right back Grygera. Ranieri will go with either Marchionni or Palladino on the right flank for Camoranesi, and Jonathan Zebina of France will cover for Grygera.

While AC Milan should certainly be up for this match they will be taking on a very rugged Juve side who know how to obtain results. Juventus should be able to hold out for the result they are looking for.

Prediction: Draw 1-1