Five Ways Milan Can Beat Juventus

1) Attack The Full-Backs

Robinho and Alexandre Pato have speed and trickery in abundance and Juventus’ full-backs are often highlighted as a weak point. If the speedy Brazilian duo attack the wide members of the Bianconeri’s four-man defense it will prove fruitful and stretch the Turin giants to their limits at the back.

2) Don’t Play ‘Just Give It To Ibra’

This is a follow-up from No. 1 that must be adhered to. In the past, tough-tackling center-back Giorgio Chiellini has succeeded more often than not in subduing Zlatan Ibrahimovic whenever they are involved in one-on-one confrontations. Making the Swede the focal point will play right into Juve’s hands and ‘total’ football will be far more successful than one-dimensional play through the 29-year-old striker.


3) Out-Think, Don’t Try To Out-Work In Midfield

Simone Pepe, Felipe Melo and Claudio Marchisio are all workhorses capable of running the socks off the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso or Clarence Seedorf – but they lack the creativity and skill on the ball that the hosts have. Get into a scrappy fight to the finish in the center of the pitch and the younger and more physical Bianconeri have the advantage. Let the ball do the work and Juve will be forced to formulate a new plan.

4) Play A High Defensive Line

With Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta enduring fitness problems, Juventus’ strike force is likely to be Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero, both of whom are second strikers and like to track back to make space to receive the ball. As a result, the red and blacks can play a higher defensive line - Alessandro Nesta and co. can push higher and be key members in maintaining possession.


5) Take Good Care Of The Ball And Be Patient

Juventus, without their suspended midfield darling Milos Krasic, will likely opt for a defensive and counter-attacking approach at San Siro and Milan cannot afford to be frustrated and cough up possession. Luckily, holding onto the ball is something the Rossoneri excel at. There’s no need to go gung-ho if Juve sit back and want to be pinned in their own half, so patience, as is often the case, could be a virtue here along with good movement on and off the ball.