With the title ever closer to being wrapped up, Juventus look to continue their run of Serie A dominance as they head to Milan on Tuesday night.
The Bianconeri are brimming with confidence following their destruction of rivals Torino in Saturday’s Derby della Mole, extending their lead to seven points atop Serie A.
Milan, meanwhile, handed Maurizio Sarri’s side a massive title boost, comfortably defeating second-placed Lazio by three goals to nil on Saturday night. The Rossoneri are enjoying their own good spell of form as they aim to solidify Europa League football next season.
When is Kick Off? Tuesday 7 July
What Time is Kick Off? 20:45 (BST)
Where is it Played? San Siro
TV Channel/Live Stream? Premier Sports 1
Midfielder Samu Castillejo is doubtful ahead of Tuesday night’s clash having picked up a muscle injury in Saturday night’s win at Lazio. Hakan Calhanoglu was also replaced late in the game having received a knock, it is unlikely whether he will feature.
Defenders Mateo Musacchio and Leonardo Duarte are both out with long term injuries and will not feature.
The visitors will still be without a recognised left back with Alex Sandro and Mattea De Sciglio out of action. Blaise Matuidi and Danilo have been deployed as makeshift alternatives in recent matches.
Centre-backs Giorgio Chiellini and Merih Demiral are still recovering from long-term injuries and are unlikely to feature. Veteran midfielder Sami Khedira will also miss Tuesday night’s match with a thigh injury. Matthijs de Ligt and Paulo Dybala are suspended and will not feature.
Milan: Donnarumma; Conti, Kjaer, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Bennacer, Kessie; Saelemaekers, Bonaventura, Rebic; Ibrahimovic.
Juventus: Buffon; Cuadrado, Rugani, Bonucci, Danilo; Rabiot, Pjanic, Bentancur; Bernardeschi, Higuain, Ronaldo
Milan are unbeaten since their return to Serie A action. Having endured a minor blip, being held to a 2-2 draw at Spal on Wednesday, the Rossoneri bounced back superbly in their upset win at Lazio on Saturday night.
Stefano Pioli’s side are on an upward trajectory as they hunt down fifth placed Roma, a win on Tuesday could see them leapfrog their Europa League rivals.
Juventus are showing no signs of letting up in their ruthless pursuit of a ninth consecutive Serie A title. The Bianconeri have scored 11 goals in their last three league outings, much to the credit of Ronaldo and Dybala’s inspired run of form.
For all the scrutiny it has come under for failing to clinch cup silverware, Sarriball seems to be working a treat in the league.
Here’s how the two sides have fared in their last five outings.
Milan
Lazio 0-3 Milan (4/7)
Spal 2-2 Milan (1/7)
Milan 2-0 Roma (28/6)
Lecce 1-4 Milan (22/6)
Juventus 0-0 Milan (12/6)
Juventus
Juventus 4-1 Torino (4/7)
Genoa 1-3 Juventus (30/6)
Juventus 4-0 Lecce (26/6)
Bologna 0-2 Juventus (22/6)
Napoli 1-0 Juventus (17/6)
Milan’s conquering of Lazio in Rome came as a surprise, but highlights the vast improvement the club has made since the restart.
In the absence of Dybala and de Ligt, Juventus are without two vital players whose performances have been hugely responsible for their run of dominance.
Historically, this fixture has been a tight affair. Milan have proven to be a tough adversary for the champions this year; don’t be surprised to see the Rossoneri hold their own.
Prediciton: Milan 2-2 Juventus