Why Juventus happier than Milan after dull scoreless draw

Neither Juventus nor Milan had big chances to score in their scoreless draw at San Siro on Saturday, but the Bianconeri can be more satisfied with the result, writes Lorenzo Bettoni.

Fans and media hoped Juventus would replicate their latest performance against Inter in their second San Siro trip this season, but the outcome of Saturday’s match against Milan was entirely different.

One month after a legendary 4-4 draw against Inter, the Bianconeri picked up a boring, scoreless draw at the Stadio Meazza against Milan. Bianconeri midfielder Manuel Locatelli preferred the 0-0 stalemate, while Milan fans surely didn’t enjoy the performance as Rossoneri players left the pitch amid whistles from the stands.

However, this is not the only reason why Juventus should be happier than Milan after their latest meeting.

The Rossoneri didn’t make the most of a home fixture against direct rivals and only produced one shot on target. It’s true that Juventus only had two, but contrary to the Old Lady, Milan could rely on all their strikers, while Thiago Motta was forced to cope without seven players, including centre-forwards Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik and right-winger Nico Gonzalez.

Therefore, Weston McKennie, Teun Koopmeiners and Tim Weah were alternated to occupy the false nine position at the Stadio Meazza yesterday, but Vlahovic’s absence was very much felt.

On the other hand, Milan could rely on all their strikers and wingers, even though Christian Pulisic was partially rested after international duty with USMNT and was introduced as a substitute in the second half.

Former Juventus striker Alvaro Morata was nowhere to be seen in the Rossoneri’s attack up front and was busier with defensive duties than attacking tasks.

There were evident technical errors on both sides, but Milan’s identity didn’t emerge in their meeting with Juventus, while the Bianconeri proved to have a clear structure and organisation, which was maintained despite the many absentees.

It is no coincidence that Milan coach Fonseca admitted that whistles from Milan fans were deserved, while Thiago Motta praised his players, saying that they had played like a “big team.”

The Serie A table also looks better for Milan than Juventus. The Bianconeri remain three points below the top spot, while Milan—who have a game in hand—are nine points under Inter and Atalanta.

Juventus and Milan must now regroup quickly and prepare for next week’s Champions League fixtures against Slovan Bratislava (Milan) and Aston Villa (Juventus).