22 January 2022
Whether in the modern surroundings of the Allianz Stadium or the iconic setting of San Siro, when Juventus and Milan clash, the result reverberates the length and breadth of Italy.
The oldest rivalry in Serie A, first played in 1901, has maintained all of its nobility and importance, and this weekend’s fixture is no exception.
Until the end of October, Milan had been almost faultless. Of the opening 11 match days, Stefano Pioli’s team failed to win just one, a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Stadium. A 16-point chasm separated Calcio’s two most successful clubs.
From 10 wins in the opening 11 matches, to five wins and four defeats in the following 11. The Rossoneri’s dip in form coincided with Juventus’ gradual improvement and eight victories, two draws and just one defeat from November has reduced the arrears on second-placed Milan to seven points.
Season 2010/11 to 2018/19 brought the Bianconeri unheralded success over their inter-city rivals. Nine seasons in which Juventus collected 19 wins out of 24 meetings, losing just twice.
Underlining the club from Turin’s dominance, twice the Bianconeri strung together nine-game winning sequences. Unheard of in historically an even contest.
Since 2020, with two wins each and two draws, parity has returned, however.
After the stalemate in September, there is the possibility that both encounters in a single season finish even for the first time since 1991/92 - a result that would serve neither side this weekend.
In a twist of fate, the last draw at San Siro on league duty was February 2012, when Allegri was coach of the then-defending champions Milan. That match proved to be the launching pad for Juventus’ charge to the first title of the recent record-setting 10-in-row.
Massimilano Allegri returns to face the club with whom he collected his first Serie A crown with his team in rude health.
Danilo’s return from injury in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday adds to the coach’s options in defence, while both Federico Bernardeschi and Manuel Locatelli, walking the suspension tightrope, came through unscathed against Udinese last weekend.
Milan, meanwhile, still have Franck Kessie missing due to his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, but welcome back Ismael Benacer. Also returning are Alessio Romagnoli, negative for COVID, and Sandro Tonali, suspended for the unexpected defeat to Spezia on Monday.
A defeat that has added extra spice to an already classic of the Italian game.
