Serie A special: AC Milan – Juventus key battles
The two most decorated sides in Calcio go head to head tonight at the legendary Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. AC Milan and Juventus both have struggled to make an impact on the Serie A in recent years. Following the Calciopoli scandal of 2006, Juventus were relegated
to Serie B. A host of top class players left the club for pastures new and Juve were weakened to a considerable degree.
Despite Bianconeri bouncing back the following year, the Turin giants are yet to create a truly great squad. Milan’s woes are more monetary than anything else. Silvio Berlusconi has refused to show the same level of enthusiasm in the transfer market as he used
to. Despite selling off stars like Kaka and Gourcuff, the president has failed to reinforce the squad with the same quality. This season, Silivo pulled off some bargain singings in the likes of Robinho and Ibrahimovic. One can only hope such signings are just
the start of a new era for the fallen giants.
In the wake of tonight’s fixture, we have some intriguing battles on our hands. With the quality the two teams have on the pitch, the match will be enthralling affair. We now look in to some decisive battles that will be witnessed on the pitch.
Alessandro Nesta vs. Alessandro Del Piero
The two legends play at the opposite ends of the pitch for their respective teams. Del Piero is last in the line of trequartistas who still grace the game. The position requires exorbitant technical ability and outrageous vision. Alex has both the traits
in plenty.
In an era where defenders are primarily judged on their physical abilities, Alessandro Nesta is the hallmark of a traditional defender. Immaculate reading of the game coupled with outrageous technical ability makes Nesta the last in the line of great Italian
centre backs. The two veterans will be up against each other on the pitch. Alex will look to put one over his old friend and Nesta revealed in a recent interview that he is already looking forward to the battle.
“It will be an honour facing Del Piero yet again and I hope we win”
Andrea Pirlo vs. Felipe Melo
Rossoneri playmaker had a poor season last year for his lofty standards while Melo also struggled to make an impact. Both midfielders are playing with a new lease of life this time around. The Milan midfield maestro is connecting his passes with frightening
regularity while Melo has been busy destroying the opposition midfields in recent times. When the two sides lock horns at San Siro, Melo will be given the task of roughing up the Rossoneri playmaker.
The Brazilian will have to bully the Milan 21 at all times or Pirlo will out pass and outsmart Juventus till they drop dead. This battle in the middle of the park will be of critical importance for the outcome of the match.
Giorgio Chiellini vs. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
These two have a rivalry that dates back to Ibra’s Inter days. Ibrahimovic and Chiellini will fight out a battle of strength for dominance in Bianconeri penalty area. The Swede supports a fiery temper and should Chiellini be able to roughen him up, it’s
more than likely that Ibra will lose interest in the match and will start foul play.
However, Ibrahimovic is supremely gifted player and his ability to do the unexpected will be crucial to Milan’s chances.
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