Milan and Juventus must step up if they want to compete in the Champions League next year. The Rossoneri have seven fewer points than they did at this stage last season, and the Bianconeri five. If they continue at their current points-per-game average, Juve would finish the season with 68 points, and Milan with 59, meaning both would miss out on the revenue and spotlight of Europe’s biggest stage next fall. According to reports, Rafa Leão will start on the bench again for Milan’s game against Monza, his third consecutive benching, while Juventus will see the return of Kalulu and Koopmeiners from the first minute. Bologna will be hoping to end their seven-month home winless streak in their match against Lecce.🔵🔴 Barcelona are interested in AC Milan winger Rafael Leão.🇵🇹 Rafael Leão’s stats for AC Milan:👕 221 games⚽️ 59 goals🎯 54 assists🤝 113 goal contributions 🏆 Serie A champions 🏆 Serie A Most Valuable Player🥇 Serie A Footballer of the Year🎯 1x Serie A Top Assist… pic.twitter.com/6Gwj3jPIag— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) November 2, 2024 Milan has yet to win an away game this season, with their only “away” success coming in the local derby against Inter. Meanwhile, Monza has yet to taste victory at their home ground, the U-Power Stadium, in Serie A, with their sole win coming away against Verona at Bentegodi. Paulo Fonseca held a special meeting with his players before their visit to Monza. The situation is critical for the Rossoneri; another slip in the league could all but compromise their season. Tonight’s three points are more important than the upcoming prestigious Champions League clash with Real Madrid. While a potential defeat at the Bernabeu wouldn’t eliminate Milan from the Champions League, dropping points at U-Power Stadium would end their Scudetto dreams and put their Champions League aspirations for next season in serious jeopardy.Leao up for sale as early as January!The situation with Leão is becoming increasingly complex. Fonseca tried Okafor in the left-wing role in training instead of Leão, suggesting that Rafa may again start on the bench. In the meantime, Pulisic has fully recovered and will play in an offensive playmaker role. Returning to the Rossoneri lineup are full-backs Theo Hernandez and Calabria, although the latter will likely start on the bench, along with Reijnders in midfield. Abraham, who has recovered from injury, will also be among the reserves. Besides Jović, Fonseca will also be without Gabbia, Florenzi, and Bennacer. Tonight’s game is especially emotional for Alessandro Nesta, as he leads Monza against the club with which he won everything: from the Scudetto to the Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup.Stalemate specialists hold the Old Lady to a two-a-piece drawThiago Motta noted that “no one has won or lost the Scudetto after the first ten rounds.” While true, Juventus risks jeopardizing their chances if they fall too far behind Napoli and Inter and must also be cautious about securing a Champions League spot, especially if Atalanta, Lazio, and Fiorentina continue their winning form. The Juventus coach will make a few defensive changes after Juve conceded too many chances and seven goals in the last three matches. The defense will undergo a complete overhaul, with Cambiaso moving to left-back, Savona to right-back, and Kalulu returning to central defense. Gatti and Danilo are competing for the final spot in the defense, although the Brazilian has been in poor form, as evidenced by a string of errors against Stuttgart, Inter, and Parma.Zirkzee likes United but would like to be (re)united with Motta moreOn a positive note for Motta, Koopmeiners will return to the starting lineup, while Douglas Luiz and Nico Gonzalez will be available for the Champions League match against Lille. The Dutchman is expected to assume a leadership role in midfield, providing a vital link with Dusan Vlahovic, who has often been isolated in Juve’s attack. There’s a slim chance Motta might rest Vlahovic, considering he’s played every game and Juventus faces an away game in Lille in three days. Yildiz is also expected to start after two games on the bench. The stats favor Juventus. Udinese last beat Juve in Turin in February of last season, and you’d have to go back 62 years to find two consecutive wins for the Friuli side against the Old Lady. In the last 14 matches in Udine, Juventus has only lost once. Udinese has a strong home record this season, with four wins and one loss (to Inter, 2-3). With Motta as their manager, Juventus has two away wins and two draws. Udinese will be without their defensive giant Thauvin (suspended) and also Christensen and Atu.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 11Saturday 17.00: (1.65) Bologna (3.60) Lecce (6.00)20.00: (4.30) Udinese (3.45) Juventus (2.00)22.45: (5.30) Monza (3.60) Milan (1.70)Sunday 12:30: (2.05) Napoli (3.45) Atalanta (3.60)17.00: (3.25) Torino (3.40) Fiorentina (2.35)20.00: (4.80) Verona (3.60) Roma (1.85)22.45: (1.17) Inter (7.50) Venezia (16.0)Monday 20.30: (2.85) Empoli (3.10) Como (2.65)20.30: (1.88) Parma (3.50) Genoa (4.20)22.45: (1.50) Lazio (4.20) Cagliari (6.75)***odds are subject to change***
