It's a the clash between two titans in the football world at one of the greatest stadiums in the world, between Milan and Juventus. One of the most heated rivalries that has been around since the dawn of the these two clubs, typical fan trash talk transpires over the few days leading up to the match. "Gol di Muntari" still eats away at Milanisti and the loss to Juve back in October is still fresh in the minds of many.
Juventus sit atop of Serie A with an 8 point lead over Roma and will be looking to make it 11 and move one step closer to a 3rd straight Scudetto. Milan are still 9th, but with a win, it would move them up to 8th and just 2 points behind 7th place Verona. Milan will be with out Mario Balotelli for a second straight game, as he's still recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained against Atletico Madrid. Mattia De Sciglio has been called up by Seedorf, but it is unknown if he will start. Pazzini will be starting up top in place of Balotelli with most likely Kaka, Taarabt and Poli behind him. Balotelli has yet to play against Juventus in a Milan kit.
After a convincing 2-0 win away to Sampdoria, Milan should be going into this match with some confidence and a match at home against one of your biggest rivals is the perfect opportunity to turn your season around and move up the table. Juventus will be pleased with Roma's 0-0 draw with Inter yesterday and win will all but put away who is the best Italian team and put a stranglehold on the Scudetto. There is the possibility that Juventus could be slightly fatigued, following their Europa League match earlier this week as they won't be as well rested as their Milanese counterparts.
Probable line-ups according to Gazzetta dello Sport:
Milan 4-2-3-1
Abbiati; Emanuelson, Bonera, Rami, De Sciglio; Montolivo, De Jong; Kaka, Poli, Taarabt; Pazzini
Bench: Amelia, Gabriel, Abate, Constant, Mexes, Zaccardo, Birsa, Essien, Saponara, Robinho, Honda and Petagna
Juventus 3-5-2
Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Barzagli; Asamoah, Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba, Lichsteiner; Llorente, Tevez
Bench: Storari, Rubinho, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Peluso, Isla, Padoin, Giovinco, Osvaldo, Quagliarella
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