It was supposed to be a grand clash: San Siro, two of the biggest names in European soccer, and a chilly November evening that called for intensity. But what AC Milan and Juventus were able to produce was a slow, uninventive, goalless draw. The 0-0 result made it clear that, despite the tradition both teams carry, their current form is far from exciting.
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What we saw was a game of fear, one where both teams seemed afraid of making mistakes. Neither side was willing to take risks, as if even the tiniest error would prove costly. Result: a match bereft of emotion, with few dangerous chances and plenty of aimless passing.
Juventus: Solid Defense, Lack of Creativity
Under Thiago Motta, Juventus have indeed shown consistency in the back, but their inability to produce up front remains an issue. Thus, with just 21 goals scored in 12 matches, Juve is the weakest attack among the top six teams in Serie A. The inverse is that they have the best defense in the league, with just seven goals conceded.
This contrast was very clear at San Siro. In the first half, Yildiz had been the most animated player for Juventus, seeking space within which to operate, but too often his runs came to nothing, with no colleague on hand to finish them off. The best chance went to the 23-minute mark as Yildiz struck the post with a curling shot. It was an isolated moment in a slow and uninventive first half of football.
In the second half, Juventus tried to carry out some momentum. To the left, there was a promise from Cambiaso, but Milan's defense, spearheaded by Thiaw in the back, cut threats off with precision. At the 59-minute mark, even three corners in a row couldn't find the Bianconeri breaking through pressure into goals.
Milan: More of the Same
Milan didn't fare much better, however. With an attack filled with big names, Fonseca's team produced even less than Juventus did. With 20 goals scored in 12 matches, the Rossoneri struggle to break through well-organized defenses.
In the first half, really, the only attempt came in minute 38, when the weak header of Morata had been saved with ease by Di Gregorio. The second half was somewhat different: there was some movement, but not really threatening. The last chance of the game would arrive in minute 94 for Theo Hernández, but his header would be stopped comfortably.
This has been the trend of Milan this season, too. The team always relies on individual plays to create chances, but without tactical consistency, they seem stuck when facing a more solid defensive opponent.