Prediction: Juventus vs AC Milan

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: bet365

Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha will host the Supercoppa Italiana clash between Serie A champions Juventus and Coppa Italia runners-up AC Milan, who earned a chance to battle for said trophy by losing to the Bianconeri in the final.

Juventus

This match comes at a good time for Juventus, who have just made a decisive step towards what would be their sixth successive Serie A trophy, as the 1-0 triumph over AS Roma saw them increase their advantage at the league summit to seven points. Summer recruit Gonzalo Higuain again managed to net the winner, scoring yet another important goal to prove he has developed into one of world’s leading strikers. Before they jet off to Christmas holidays, Juventus players will have to prove their worth in the Supercoppa Italiana clash against AC Milan, and it is hardly surprising the Turin outfit have been made strong favourites to lift the trophy. Prior to the 1-0 defeat back in October, Juventus had won nine straight competitive matches against the Rossoneri and this gives them confidence heading into the Friday’s clash. The good news is that chief playmaker Miralem Pjanic has recovered from a minor injury, and he will again be expected to make the different in the final third, together with Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala. The Bianconeri have now won four successive matches on all fronts, and they look a good bet to make it five on the bounce.

Team News

Miralem Pjanic has declared himself fit for the AC Milan match, whereas Andrea Barzagli and Marko Pjaca have made the trip as well.

However, the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Daniel Alves and Rolando Mandragora continue to miss out through injury.

AC Milan

It was AC Milan who were the best team in Italian Serie A before the Juventus resurgence, lifting the 2010/2011 league title before they finished four points behind the Bianconeri the following season. However, the Rossoneri have since struggled to mount a serious top 3 challenge, let alone join the title chase, but there have been signs of promise since Vincenzo Montella arrived to the club. AC Milan enjoyed a pretty impressive start to the current campaign, climbing to third in the overall standings, although they have now slipped to fifth having taken just one point from games against AS Roma and Atalanta. It is, therefore, clear that the Rossoneri will have to step up their game when they meet arguably Italy’s strongest side, although the 2-1 triumph over Juventus in the current Serie A campaign can show them the way. AC Milan encountered numerous problems as they attempted to reach Doha, with their flight from London having been delayed, and it remains to be seen whether the late arrival will have any effect on their performance. The Rossoneri are aware this is a unique chance to finally lift a domestic trophy, and there are no doubts they will be very motivated to see off Juventus on Friday afternoon.

Team News

Davide Calabria and Riccardo Montolivo continue to miss out, but there are no fresh injury worries for head coach Vincenzo Montella.

Key Factors to Consider

• AC Milan recorded a 2-1 win over Juventus in October
• The Bianconeri had won previous nine competitive meetings
• One goal was scored in five of their last seven meetings
• AC Milan failed to score in two successive games
• Juventus are on a four-match winning run

Conclusion

A lot will be at stake when the two sides square off in Doha, and chances are we will see a tight affair on Friday afternoon. With five of their last seven meetings producing just one goal and AC Milan failing to score in last two, don’t expect to see too many goals in Qatar.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: bet365