Prediction: Juventus vs AC Milan

Verdict: Juventus to win to nil

Best Odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

Italian giants square off in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals in Turin, where Serie A champions Juventus will be looking to get revenge on AC Milan for the recent defeat in Italian Super Cup. The Rossoneri have suffered a major dip in form in recent weeks and they hope a good performance in the Coppa Italia clash can help them get their league campaign back on track.

Juventus

Juventus may have dominated the Serie A over the last five years, but the Bianconeri are facing some serious challenges this season. For the first time in quite a while, they were unable to get away from the chasing pack, sitting just one point clear of second-placed AS Roma, albeit with a game in hand. However, with Napoli also in red-hot form, it is clear that the title defence will be no walk in the park. The Bianconeri were also pipped to the Italian Super Cup trophy by AC Milan, who won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Doha and having seen that they can successfully match Italy’s best side, the Rossoneri will head into the Wednesday’s game high on confidence. Nevertheless, Juventus have reason for optimism as well in spite of the recent derby loss to Fiorentina, as the 2-0 triumph over top 3 hopefuls Lazio proved the Bianconeri still have some gas left in the tank. Head coach Max Allegri surprised everyone with his 4-2-3-1 formation that saw the likes of Higuain, Dybala and Mandzukic all start and the gamble very much paid off as Juventus attack proved too much for sorry Lazio. It remains to be seen whether the boss will revert to the 4-3-1-2 tactics that he has used for large periods of the current campaign, but we are likely to see some changes to the starting line-up.

Team News

The likes of Tomas Rincon, Andrea Barzagli, Daniele Rugani and Hernanes are all expected to start, but Mehdi Benatia and Mario Lemina are away on international duty.

AC Milan

AC Milan have shown a great deal of improvement under Vincenzo Montella, but it would appear as though they are still not ready to challenge for major honours. Granted, the Rossoneri defeated Juventus in the Italian Super Cup clash, but they have now slipped to seventh in the Serie A standings. This team definitely has potential as the likes of De Sciglio, Locatelli, Donnarumma, Niang and Romagnoli are all proving their worth despite their fragile age, but AC Milan need to further reinforce the squad if they are to realise their full potential. It is clear that the ship called the January transfer window has already sailed as the proposed club takeover wasn’t completed in time to allow the club officials to invest money into new signings, meaning that the Rossoneri now face an uphill struggle to secure European qualification. AC Milan basically said goodbye to Champions League hopes with the 2-1 home loss to Napoli, but they can still qualify for Europe either through the league or Coppa Italia. The visitors will obviously attempt to make amends for the weekend’s defeat and at the same time secure their place in the Coppa Italia semis.

Team News

Alessio Romagnoli and Manuel Locatelli may not be risked as they are battling injury, with Mattia De Sciglio expected to miss out as well.

Key Factors to Consider

• AC Milan won both matches vs Juventus this season
• Both teams scored in just three of their last nine meetings
• Five of those matches ended with one goal scored
• Juventus have won 27 straight Serie A games at home
• AC Milan boast 4-2-3 away record in the league this term

Conclusion

Juventus usually deliver in high-profile matches and they will have an extra motive to give their best against AC Milan, who beat them twice this season. The game comes at a bad time for the Rossoneri, so we are backing the hosts to win without conceding.

Verdict: Juventus to win to nil

Best Odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: William Hill