Juventus 2-0 AC Milan: Rossoneri deservedly beaten after poor second half

AC Milan’s top four hopes were dealt a huge blow on Saturday evening as they lost a six-pointer against Juventus 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium.

After a first half in which the two teams traded big chances, everything fell apart for Milan in a second half where they were never really at the races. It started when Samuel Mbangula’s shot deflected in off the bar, giving Juve a deserved lead.

Not too long after that they struck again through the substitute Tim Weah on the counter-attack, who got the better of Fikayo Tomori and Mike Maignan to double the advantage, which was all they needed.

The result means that the Rossoneri have tasted defeat for the first time under their new coach, and now sit six points behind Juve who are in fourth, albeit with a game in hand to play against Bologna away.

Sergio Conceicao made three changes to the side that beat Como in midweek, with Matteo Gabbia replacing the injured Malick Thiaw, Yunus Musah in for the injured Christian Pulisic, and Tammy Abraham leading the line with Alvaro Morata suspended.

Milan generated the first moment of danger inside two minutes with a rapid counter-attack from a cleared cross. Abraham did well to start it with some good hold-up play, then Tijjani Reijnders slipped through Rafael Leao whose attempted dink from close range was saved by Di Gregorio.

In what was a frantic opening to the game – at least compared to the dire 0-0 draw in November – Mbangula tried his luck with a curling shot in off the left with his right foot that looped onto the roof of the net.

Conceicao’s side continued to be quick and direct with their attacking play, and opened Juve up with a brilliant through pass from Reijnders that found Musah in behind. His cut-back landed at the feet of Leao, and only a brilliant block from Kalulu stopped an effort that was goal-bound.

Milan played themselves into trouble in the left-back position gifting possession to Koopmeiner, who rocketed a stinging shot just above the top corner.

The Rossoneri caused confusion for Juve with a well-executed corner that was straight off the training ground in the 19th minute. Theo’s delivery was aimed low at Reijnders who peeled off to the penalty spot and his first-time shot deflected just wide off Fikayo Tomori.