Serie A: Three talking points from Juventus 0-0 Milan – Allegri and Pioli stalemate

Juventus and Milan played out a slightly uninspiring 0-0 draw during their Serie A meeting at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon: Here are three talking points from the stalemate between Max Allegri and Stefano Pioli’s sides:

Where was the motivation? 

One of the biggest questions after the opening exchanges of Juventus and Milan’s meeting in Turin was where the motivation lay. On paper, second vs. third in the league should have been a thriller for the neutral, but with Inter having wrapped up the Serie A title for 2023-24, and with at least five Italian teams allowed to compete in next year’s Champions League, both Juve and Milan had effectively already concluded their business in the league before Saturday’s game had even begun. Though both sides still have four league matches left to play this season, as well as a Coppa Italia final for Juventus, it is hard to envisage either team finishing the campaign lower than sixth. That is as long as they keep their heads and levels of motivation up for the next few weeks, as Atalanta and Roma’s current battle for fifth place could still make life slightly uncomfortable for Milan and Juve should they go on to lose over the next few matchdays. 

The last dance for Allegri and Pioli? 

Saturday’s game could have been the last meeting of Allegri and Pioli in the dugouts of Juventus and Milan, respectively. Both have contracts until the end of the 2024-25 season, but supporters on either side have grown frustrated over the course of this campaign, while Inter went on to storm the title without much real opposition. The Curva Sud in the Allianz stadium did briefly chant in support of Allegri on Saturday, which was countered by whistles from large sections of the rest of the ground. #AllegriOut was also trending on X at various points of the game. In the Rossoneri camp, meanwhile, news broke on Saturday morning that former Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Wolves coach Julen Lopetegui has had talks over a potential appointment in San Siro. With several names linked with the Milan job over the last few weeks, it seems to be a case of ‘no smoke without fire’, and as it stands, it would seem quite surprising if Pioli is still in charge come the end of the 202-24 season. Either way, both Juve and Milan will surely be considering their options ahead of what could be a major overhaul of the coaching staff. 

Reinforcements needed for Serie A title challenge

As well as a potential change in the dugout, there is also likely to be a series of ins and outs on the playing staff at both clubs as well. Milan’s priority will be finding an heir to Olivier Giroud’s throne once he departs for MLS. They are also reported to be on the lookout for a new defender as well. Juve’s transfers, meanwhile, could see a few notable changes at the back, as Alex Sandro is expected to leave at the end of his contract this summer, while Bremer remains the subject of interest from the Premier League. Juventus and Milan have both fallen short of the required standard to match the recently-confirmed champions, Inter, and so it would not be a surprise if there is more investment made on players this summer.