3 of the Most Memorable Clashes Between Juventus and AC Milan

18 Jan 2025 ScoreWaves Staff view

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Few fixtures in Italian football are as iconic as Juventus versus AC Milan. Two of Serie A’s most decorated clubs, these teams have battled each other in matches that have defined eras, shattered hearts, and written history. So, let’s dive into three of the most unforgettable clashes between these giants of Italian football.

1) Juventus 0-0 AC Milan – UEFA Champions League Final (2003)

The 2003 UEFA Champions League final was a historic moment for Italian football, as it marked the first time two Serie A teams faced off in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Juventus, under Marcello Lippi, were Serie A champions and had eliminated Barcelona on their way to the final. AC Milan, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, boasted a squad brimming with talent, including Paolo Maldini, Andriy Shevchenko, and Clarence Seedorf. The stage was set at Old Trafford, and fans expected fireworks from two attacking sides.

Contrary to expectations, the match turned into a tense, tactical battle. Both teams played cautiously, unwilling to expose themselves to counterattacks. Juventus were without Pavel Nedvěd, their talismanic midfielder, due to suspension, which significantly hampered their creativity. AC Milan, meanwhile, relied on their defensive solidity and midfield control to stifle Juventus’s attacks. Clear-cut chances were rare, and as the match dragged on through 120 minutes, it was evident that penalties would decide the winner. The shootout was as dramatic as the buildup to the final.

AC Milan’s goalkeeper, Dida, emerged as the hero, saving three penalties from Trezeguet, Zalayeta, and Montero. Shevchenko sealed Milan’s sixth European title with a nerveless spot-kick, etching his name in club folklore. This match not only cemented AC Milan’s status as European royalty but also reinforced Italian football’s tactical depth. For Juventus, it was a bitter pill to swallow, losing to their domestic rivals on the biggest stage. The result highlighted the contrasting philosophies of the two clubs: Milan’s reliance on discipline and individual brilliance versus Juventus’s relentless team ethic. It remains one of the most iconic all-Italian clashes in history.

2) AC Milan 4-2 Juventus – Serie A (July 2020)

This clash came during the unprecedented 2019/20 season, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Juventus, under Maurizio Sarri, were chasing yet another Scudetto, while AC Milan, led by Stefano Pioli, were rebuilding and battling for European qualification. The match at the San Siro promised drama, as both teams needed points for very different reasons. The game burst into life in the second half after a cagey opening 45 minutes. Juventus struck first through Adrien Rabiot, who embarked on a stunning solo run from his own half before unleashing a thunderous strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Moments later, Cristiano Ronaldo doubled Juve’s lead, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to seemingly put the game to bed.

But Milan had other ideas. The comeback began with Zlatan Ibrahimović converting a penalty after a handball in the box. Just four minutes later, Franck Kessié leveled the score, finishing off a well-worked team move. The San Siro came alive as Milan’s confidence soared. Rafael Leão then turned the game on its head with a brilliant solo effort, firing a low shot past Wojciech Szczęsny to give Milan the lead. The Rossoneri weren’t done yet. Ante Rebić added a fourth after pouncing on a defensive error, sealing an extraordinary turnaround. Juventus were left shell-shocked as Milan celebrated a famous 4-2 victory.

This match was a turning point for Milan under Pioli, showcasing their potential to compete with the best. It also raised questions about Juventus’s vulnerabilities despite their dominance in Serie A. The result boosted Milan’s European ambitions and is fondly remembered as one of their greatest comebacks against their historic rivals.

3) Juventus 3-2 AC Milan – Serie A (October 2013)

This clash came during the 2013/14 Serie A season, with Juventus under Antonio Conte chasing their third consecutive Scudetto. AC Milan, led by Massimiliano Allegri, were struggling to find consistency, but their attacking talent always made them a threat. The match at Juventus Stadium was billed as a key test of Milan’s mettle against the reigning champions.

The game got off to a lightning-fast start as Sulley Muntari stunned the home crowd with a goal inside the first minute, firing a low shot past Gianluigi Buffon. Juventus, however, responded quickly. Andrea Pirlo equalized with a stunning freekick that curled beyond Christian Abbiati, reminding his former club of his brilliance.

Juventus grabbed the lead in the 69th minute through Sebastian Giovinco. Just minutes later, things went from bad to worse for the Rossoneri when center-back Philippe Mexès was sent off in the 74th minute, leaving Milan with a mountain to climb. From the resulting free kick, Giorgio Chiellini rose highest and powered in a commanding header to double Juve's advantage, seemingly putting the game to bed.

But Milan weren’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. Sulley Muntari reignited hope for the visitors late on, pouncing on a rebound and smashing it home to set up a dramatic finale. Despite Milan’s relentless late surge, Juventus held their ground to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. For Juventus, this win reinforced their dominance in Serie A and their ability to grind out results even in challenging situations. For Milan, the match highlighted their defensive frailties and lack of consistency, issues that plagued their campaign.

Also Read: Juventus vs Milan Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting Lineups