TIME MACHINE: JUVENTUS v AC MILAN

Juventus v AC Milan has always been a match that brings the whole football world to a standstill. A fixture that can capture the attention of sporting fans from all over, and not just because it has been the stage for sensational individual performances or the setting for trophy victories in the past. We have faced the Bianconeri for league titles and cups, and more broadly, every encounter with one of our historic rivals is an occasion to remember. 

As we look ahead to matchday three of the league, our latest edition of the Time Machine takes us back almost 40 years. 10 January 1988, the penultimate matchday (14) of the first half of the season. Sacchi's AC Milan travelled to Turin on a high, having started the new calendar year with an astounding victory over reigning champions and league leaders Napoli. This followed a 1-0 win away against Inter in the final match of 1987. 

Despite the difficulties that Marchesi's Juventus were facing as they trailed in the standings, playing them at their home remained a difficult feat. It's worth noting that AC Milan hadn't won away against Juventus in the league since 25 October 1970. Looking to close the gap on Napoli at the top of the table, the Rossoneri put in a solid performance, with the first half played at a lively pace. The hosts came close to taking the lead when Galli was forced into making an impressive save at close range to deny Rush. Maldini then drove forward before trying his luck from 30 metres, but Tacconi dealt with the shot comfortably.

In the second half, the Rossoneri pressed further up the pitch and increased the intensity of their attack, especially on the flanks. The first real threat came when Tassotti's cross from the right found Ruud Gullit, whose powerful header forced Tacconi into a fine save. Gullit could only applaud the goalkeeper's spectacular save. Just after the hour mark, AC Milan finally got the reward their performance deserved. A corner was played short to Tassotti, who delivered into the box for Gullit to head home. It was 1-0, and it would stay that way until the very end as the Rossoneri came away from Turin with two points, a crucial result in their journey to the Scudetto. 

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