Juventus and AC Milan are set to clash in a highly anticipated semi-final of the Italian Super Cup in Riyadh on Friday, January 3, 2025. This encounter marks the first fixture of the new year for both teams and promises to be a captivating contest between two of Italian football’s most storied clubs. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 CET.
Past Encounters and Historical Context
Historically, Juventus hold the upper hand in Super Cup meetings against AC Milan. Their most recent encounter in this competition saw Juventus emerge victorious with a 1-0 win in 2019. However, recent clashes between these two giants have been characterized by tight defenses and a scarcity of goals.
The last two matches ended in goalless draws, highlighting the tactical nature of these encounters and the respect these teams have for each other. Juventus have been particularly resolute at the back, keeping three consecutive clean sheets against Milan. They will be aiming to extend this impressive defensive run, but achieving a fourth consecutive shutout against the Rossoneri would be a feat they haven’t accomplished since the 1929/30 season.
The Italian Super Cup holds a special place in the history of both Juventus and AC Milan. Juventus have lifted the trophy a record nine times in 17 appearances, showcasing their dominance in this competition. Milan are not far behind, having secured seven titles in 12 appearances. Interestingly, the last time these two teams faced each other at the start of a calendar year was back in 1999, with that Serie A encounter ending in a 1-1 draw.
Juventus enter this match in exceptional form, having lost just one of their last 31 games across all competitions. This impressive run is matched only by Liverpool among Europe’s top five leagues. Furthermore, Juventus haven’t tasted defeat in their opening game of a calendar year for over a decade, with their last such loss coming against Sampdoria in 2013. Their attacking prowess is also evident in their current six-game scoring streak, where they have consistently found the net at least twice.
Key Players to Watch
Dusan Vlahovic ended 2024 on a high, finishing as Serie A’s top scorer with an impressive tally of 24 goals. His contribution to Juventus’ success extends beyond the league, as he is one of only three players to have scored in every competition for the Bianconeri this season, alongside Nico Gonzalez and Francisco Conceicao. On the Milan side, Teun Koopmeiners has a knack for finding success against Juventus.
He has been directly involved in four goals in his last four matches against them (three goals, one assist), making them his favorite opponent since arriving in Italy. Khephren Thuram, who scored in Milan’s last game, will be looking to continue his goalscoring form and net in consecutive matches for the second time in his career. Meanwhile, the match features some of Serie A’s most skilled dribblers, with Rafael Leao (63), Francisco Conceicao (51), and Kenan Yildiz (42) all ranking among the league leaders in dribbles completed.
Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as a key figure in Milan’s midfield, leading the team in scoring this season with nine goals across all competitions. His goalscoring exploits from midfield are a rarity for the Rossoneri, with only Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Franck Kessie surpassing his tally in recent years. Rafael Leao, known for his attacking flair, has surprisingly struggled to find the net against Juventus.
He has failed to score in his last seven appearances against the Bianconeri, a statistic he will be eager to change. Tammy Abraham, on the other hand, has enjoyed recent success against Juventus, scoring in each of his last two starts against them. His five goals and three assists this season highlight his importance to Milan’s attack.
This match promises to be a tactical and exciting affair, with both teams eager to start the new year with a victory and secure a place in the Super Cup final against Inter Milan.
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