Serie A Showdown Recap

The hotly anticipated showdown between Serie A leaders, Juventus, and the second placed, defending Champions, AC Milan, did little to live up to the hype. While newscasts from Italy and around the continent were analyzing and predicting the outcome and effect of a Juventus or a Milan win, the match seemed to lack a definitive flow.

The match was dominated by a cohesive Milan group who attacked and defending as a group but failed to deliver the knockout blow. Juventus sleep-walked through the first half and were lucky to not be trailing after a very sloppy and disinterested performance. Juventus' inspirational leader, Pavel Nedved, seemed to be off form and barely managed to touch a ball in the early stages. Juventus striker, Alessandro Del Piero, was mercifully taken off at half time although many would argue that he was already off the pitch in mind and spirit. On the other hand, Milan dominated the midfield with masterful performances from Andrea Pirlo, Kaka and Clarence Seedorf. The backline of Kahkaber Kaladze, Alessandro Nesta, "Billy" Costacurta, and Cafu were rarely troubled and Dida was merely a spectator in the Milan goal.

The second half was a bit more eventful for the Bianconeri as the substitution of Del Piero for Uruguayan, Marcelo Zalayeta, led to a slightly greater offensive presence for Juventus. The Milan striking partnership of Golden Ball winner, Andrii Shevchenko, and Argentine, Hernan Crespo, failed to live up to their recent performances as they wasted opportunities in front of goal and were adjudged to be offside (not always fairly) frequently. The Juventus defence did show why they are considered the best in Serie A as Fabio Cannavaro, Jonathan Zebina, Gianluca Zambrotta, and especially Lilian Thuram kept Milan's dangerous attack at bay.

The closing stages of the game provided the best opportunity for Milan as Shevchenko drew the Juventus defence and dropped off a precise pass for Pirlo who had only Juventus keeper, Gianluigi Buffon, to beat. Unfortunately for the Rossoneri, Pirlo missed a sitter leaving Milan four points shy of Juventus at the half way point of the season.

Juventus will need to regain the form that saw them burst in front of the Serie A table if they wish to fight the charge of Milan and surprisingly enough, Udinese, to recapture the Scudetto that eluded them last year. Milan were clearly the better team in this match up and will no doubt be looking to continue their torrid pace to overtake Juventus at the top of the Serie A table in the second half of the year.

Gabriel Mederos