AC Milan’s American star, Christian Pulisic, is poised to make his much-anticipated return as the Rossoneri prepare to face Juventus in the Italian Super Cup semi-final on Friday. The match, part of the Saudi-hosted tournament, marks a critical juncture for both teams as they aim to secure a place in the final.
Pulisic’s Road to Recovery
Pulisic has been sidelined for over a month due to a muscle tear in his right calf, compounded by a minor ankle issue. His absence has been a significant blow to Milan, as the 25-year-old has been a standout performer this season.
In Serie A, Pulisic has contributed five goals and four assists in 15 appearances, while also netting three goals in the UEFA Champions League. His versatility and ability to operate as a winger or attacking midfielder have been instrumental in Milan’s attacking setup.
Reports suggest that Pulisic has made a full recovery and could feature prominently against Juventus. His return is expected to bolster Milan’s chances in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Sergio Conceicao’s First Test as Milan Manager
The semi-final will also mark the debut of Sergio Conceicao as Milan’s head coach. The Portuguese tactician replaced Paulo Fonseca, who was dismissed earlier this week following a string of underwhelming performances. Conceicao faces a daunting task in his first match, not least because his son, Francisco Conceicao, plays as a winger for Juventus.
Despite limited preparation time, Conceicao has expressed confidence in his squad, emphasizing their determination and adaptability. Speaking ahead of the clash, he said:
“I’ve found a humble team eager to learn and adapt to new ideas. While time is short, I’m optimistic about our chances against Juventus.”
Juventus: A Formidable Opponent
Juventus, under Massimiliano Allegri, come into the match with momentum, having won four of their last five games across all competitions. The Bianconeri boast a solid defensive record, conceding just 14 goals in 18 Serie A matches, the second-best in the league.
Key players such as Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa are expected to lead Juventus’ attack, while their midfield, anchored by Manuel Locatelli, will aim to dominate possession. However, Juventus will also contend with their own set of challenges, including injuries to key players like Paul Pogba.
Milan’s Recent Form and Key Players
Milan’s form has been inconsistent in recent weeks, with the team managing just two wins in their last five matches across all competitions. Despite these struggles, several players have stepped up:
- Rafael Leão: The Portuguese forward remains Milan’s top scorer in Serie A with seven goals and has been a constant threat on the left flank.
- Olivier Giroud: The veteran striker has contributed six goals and continues to be a reliable presence in the box.
- Theo Hernandez: The French left-back’s overlapping runs and defensive stability have been crucial for Milan.
With Pulisic’s return, Milan’s attacking options will be significantly enhanced, offering Conceicao more flexibility in crafting his game plan.
Head-to-Head Record
Milan and Juventus have a storied rivalry, and their recent meetings have been closely contested. Over the last five encounters:
- Milan: 2 wins
- Juventus: 2 wins
- Draws: 1
Their most recent clash in Serie A ended in a 1-0 victory for Juventus, courtesy of a Dusan Vlahovic goal.
What’s at Stake
The Italian Super Cup represents a chance for Milan to secure their first silverware of the season and gain a psychological edge over their rivals. Juventus, on the other hand, are aiming to win their 10th Super Cup title, a record in Italian football.
Predicted Lineups
Milan (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Mike Maignan
- DEF: Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Simon Kjaer, Theo Hernandez
- MID: Rade Krunic, Tijjani Reijnders
- ATT: Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão, Yunus Musah
- ST: Olivier Giroud
Juventus (3-5-2):
- GK: Wojciech Szczesny
- DEF: Danilo, Bremer, Alex Sandro
- MID: Juan Cuadrado, Manuel Locatelli, Adrien Rabiot, Filip Kostic, Federico Chiesa
- ST: Dusan Vlahovic, Arkadiusz Milik
Key Statistics
- Pulisic’s Impact: Contributed to a goal every 129 minutes this season across all competitions.
- Juventus Defense: Second-best in Serie A, averaging 0.78 goals conceded per game.
- Milan’s Record in Super Cup: Won the title seven times, most recently in 2016.
- Juventus’ Super Cup Dominance: Won 9 titles, the most in competition history.
Final Thoughts
Milan vs. Juventus in the Italian Super Cup promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to make a statement. The return of Christian Pulisic adds a layer of intrigue to Milan’s prospects, while Juventus’ defensive solidity and attacking prowess make them formidable opponents.
For Milan, this match is not just about reaching the final but also about setting the tone under their new manager. With both teams boasting star-studded lineups, fans can expect a spectacle at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.
