Max Allegri expects Gonzalo Higuain and Leonardo Bonucci to handle facing their former clubs, as “Milan–Juventus is always a balanced encounter.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
It’s also available to view in the UK and Ireland on Eleven Sports, click here for further details.
Max Allegri expects Gonzalo Higuain and Leonardo Bonucci to handle facing their former clubs, as “Milan-Juventus is always a balanced encounter.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
It’s also available to view in the UK and Ireland on Eleven Sports, click here for further details.
“Milan-Juventus is always a balanced encounter. We’re playing in front of 70,000 people in a stadium that pushes the Rossoneri on,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“We must put in a great performance, both in terms of technique and physicality, to emerge from San Siro with a positive result. Milan are in great shape, as they lost at the last minute in the derby, but won five of their last six.”
It’s above all an emotional evening for two players facing their former club, as Bonucci moved to Milan for one season and swiftly returned, while Higuain was essentially pushed out by Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Higuain gave so much to Juve and was decisive in this team’s victories. Over the summer, a decision was made by both parties and Milan made a great signing, because Gonzalo is one of the best centre-forwards in the world.
“I don’t have any advice to give to Bonucci. He returns to Milan, having only been there for a year, but Leo doesn’t need my advice.
“Mario Mandzukic could well play tomorrow, as he needed some time to recuperate physically and mentally, which is understandable after the World Cup.
“Blaise Matuidi is the same, I tried to limit his playing time, but he realistically needs a whole week off on the beach. If Emre Can had been available, I’d have sent him on vacation, but in the circumstances I still need him here.
“Sami Khedira practically hadn’t played for two months and had a great 45 minutes against Manchester United on Wednesday, then fell away in the last 15 minutes.
“Joao Cancelo has a very good chance of starting on the right. We’ve got Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi back. I don’t think I’ll rest Bonucci or Giorgio Chiellini.”
The defeat to Manchester United, a game Juve had largely dominated for 85 minutes, irritated Allegri and his side.
“Juve only concede goals in two ways: on set plays and when we fall asleep, so these are areas we need to work on. There is no such thing as an unbeatable team and at times a step back helps you take two steps forward.”