THREE MASSIVE POINTS IN TURIN
Serie A
It was a massively important game, one that was hotly anticipated with three points up for grabs that had plenty of Champions League implications. And a dominant AC Milan display deservedly won the day. It ended 3-0 against Juve, in the home of last season's champions - and it could have been mored considering Kessie's penalty miss. After ten years of waiting, the Rossoneri have beaten the Bianconeri away from home, taking an absolutely vital win. The goals were scored by Díaz - a very smart inclusion from Pioli - in added time in the first half, Rebić and Tomori (his first in an AC Milan shirt). It was a sublime performance from the entire team, who looked mature and up for the fight from the off as they secured three weighty points.
They were clinical going forward and virtually unbeatable at the back. Furthermore, this 3-0 win gives the Rossoneri a sort of aggregate victory over Juve after the 3-1 loss in the reverse fixture: a nice little addition to a brilliant evening. It might be one of the greatest nights of not just this season but in recent history for the Diavolo. In any case, the league is not yet over and the Rossoneri face a quick turnaround before Wednesday's game against Torino (12 May, 20:45 CEST); Pioli's group cannot afford to slip up against the Granata. Matchday 35 has now come to a close with AC Milan drawing level with second-place Atalanta on 72 points, two more than Napoli and now three more than Juve. Boys, you were all phenomenal.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM JUVENTUS V AC MILAN
Brahim Díaz was the ace up Pioli's sleeve, starting in that trequartista role. Juve started with plenty of aggression and, in the fourth minute, threatened with a free-kick, which Hernández had to tidy up to deny De Ligt after Donnarumma failed to claim it. AC Milan grew into the game and Díaz looked dangerous, firing high in the 19th minute and forcing Szczęsny into a save three minutes later. The game was largely stop-start and it was a rather cagey affair in midfield. Another uncertain moment from Gigio at a corner could've been bad news for the Rossoneri on the half-hour mark but Chiellini failed to direct his header on target. Alex Sandro then dealt with a driven cross from Hernández to take it away from the waiting Ibra (37'). The Rossoneri took the lead on the stroke of half time thanks to some wonderful work from Díaz, who curled home a stunning effort into the top corner. Half time.
The teams remained unchanged after the break. With just seconds gone in the second half, Morata fed Bentancur, who was thwarted by Donnarumma. In the 58th minute, the Rossoneri had a guilt-edge chance to double their lead; Díaz took the shot, Chiellini blocked it with his arm and, after a VAR check, a penalty was awarded but Szczęsny read the situation and denied Kessie from the spot. A knee injured then forced Ibra off in the 66th minute. The Bianconeri tried to force the equaliser but didn't create any clear chances, with Ronaldo firing off target in the 68th minute. Then, the Diavolo turned the screw; Rebić rifled it into the top corner with a spectacular swerving effort from outside the box (78') before Tomori headed home from Çalhanoğlu's ball in (82'). Dybala, Kulusevski and Alex Sandro all tried to grab a goal back for the hosts late on but the Rossoneri stood firm. Full time.
MATCH DETAILS
JUVENTUS 0-3 AC MILAN
JUVENTUS (4-4-2): Szczęsny; Cuadrado, De Ligt, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; McKennie, Bentancur (67' Kulusevski), Rabiot, Chiesa (79' Dybala); Morata, Ronaldo. Subs: Buffon, Pinsoglio; Bonucci, Danilo, Demiral; Arthur, Bernardeschi, Ramsey. Coach: Pirlo.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjær, Tomori, Hernández; Bennacer (82' Meïte), Kessie; Saelemaekers (82' Dalot), Díaz (70' Krunić), Çalhanoğlu; Ibrahimović (66' Rebić). Subs: Tătărușanu; Gabbia, Kalulu, Romagnoli; Hauge, Tonali; Leão, Mandžukić. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Valeri from Roma.
Goals: 46' Díaz (M), 78' Rebić (M), 82' Tomori (M).
Booked: 53' Chiesa (J), 57' Chiellini (J), 59' Díaz (M), 76' Saelemaekers (M).
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