Opponent Analysis: AC Milan vs Juventus (Images)

This Saturday, 6th Juventus travels to San Siro to face 7th AC Milan. Each groups will hope to bounce again from disappointing outcomes earlier than the worldwide break. La Vecchia Signora has managed solely two wins of their final six matches, whereas the Rossoneri have been held to a draw by a struggling Cagliari aspect that sits simply two factors off the underside of the desk. 

AC Milan struggled early within the season, however has since improved. They’ve managed spectacular victories in opposition to formidable opponents together with  Inter Milan and Actual Madrid, solely to drop factors in opposition to groups similar to Parma and Cagliari. Milan seems to thrive on massive events however typically performs right down to the extent of mid- and lower-table opponents. 

Within the ultimate third of the pitch, Milan depends closely on their wingers to generate goal-scoring alternatives. The Rossoneri are significantly threatening on the left aspect of the ultimate third, as highlighted within the anticipated risk heatmap. That is largely because of Rafael Leão continuously driving at opposing right-backs and delivering diagonal balls throughout the eighteen-yard field from the touchline. A first-rate instance of that is Tijjani Reijnders’ third objective in opposition to Actual Madrid.  

The targets and photographs off the bar map additional helps this sample, displaying that a good portion of Milan’s targets and threatening photographs come from the right-hand aspect of the eighteen-yard field. Curiously, Milan additionally creates appreciable risk from the decrease proper aspect of the ultimate third. This may be attributed to build-up performs, such because the one under in opposition to Inter Milan the place Emerson Royal finds Tijjani Reijnders, who then locates Tammy Abraham into house behind the Nerazzurri protection, or from set items like Milan’s second objective in opposition to Inter.

Milan build-up play varies as evidenced by matches in opposition to Cagliari and Actual Madrid. The distinction within the quantity of progressive passes from this zone in every sport is unsurprising. Towards Cagliari, Milan was in a position to transfer out of their very own half with ease, sustaining composure underneath minimal stress. In distinction, in opposition to Actual Madrid, they confronted considerably extra resistance, even with the addition of an additional midfielder. Towards Cagliari, Paulo Fonseca opted for a two-man central midfield, whereas in opposition to Actual Madrid, he deployed three central midfielders, with the addition of Yunus Musah.

In each matches, the variety of unsuccessful passes from the center of the pitch was notably low, reflecting Fonseca’s choice for a midfield anchored by Reijnders and Fofana. Whereas Milan’s midfielders managed to carry their very own, the wingbacks confronted extra challenges, significantly within the sport in opposition to Actual Madrid. Emerson Royal appeared hesitant to advance the ball and continuously resorted to quick passes to close by teammates. Though the variety of unsuccessful passes was low, the restricted quantity of progressive passes on the suitable aspect suggests a insecurity in pushing ahead.

In distinction, Theo Hernández tried considerably extra lengthy progressive passes in opposition to Actual Madrid in comparison with the match in opposition to Cagliari. Nonetheless, many of those makes an attempt resulted in Milan dropping possession, highlighting the dangers related together with his extra aggressive method.

With Juan Cabal sidelined for the season because of harm, Andrea Cambiaso is anticipated to step in as left-back. Whereas enjoying on the left permits Cambiaso to focus on Milan’s proper aspect, the place Emerson Royal operates, it additionally leaves Nicolò Savona tasked with defending Rafael Leão. Given Savona’s inexperience, it might be a difficult evening for the younger Italian. Acknowledging Milan’s offensive power on that flank, with the duo of Theo Hernández and Rafael Leão, Thiago Motta will possible deploy Timothy Weah on the suitable wing and Khéphren Thuram as a right-sided holding midfielder to supply extra defensive cowl.

AC Milan has demonstrated their potential to problem high golf equipment, so if Juventus hopes to safe all three factors, they need to neutralize Milan’s risk on the left and apply constant stress on the wingbacks when in possession.