28 May 2023
Juventus were handed the knock-out blow to their fading Champions League qualifying hopes by Milan in the final home match of the campaign.
The game's only goal was scored by Olivier Giroud on 40 minutes. Danilo came closest to equalising in stoppage time but the Bianconeri left the pitch empty handed.
THE MATCH
The closing home fixture of the season brought a Calcio classic to the Allianz Stadium, but the long season had taken its toll on both sides. Milan started the stronger of the two teams. However, their only shot in the opening spell, from Junior Messias, was easily dealt with by Wojciech Szczęsny.
Just before the quarter of the hour, Juve threatened. Juan Cuadrado was invited to try his luck from distance, and his effort forced Mike Maignan to parry the shot wide.
The Bianconeri had a string of chances midway through the first half. First Moise Kean used his strength to charge forward from the half-way line. His cross was met on the slide by Ángel Di María, whose volley finished high. Immediately after, Federico Chiesa flashed a shot from a tight angle over the crossbar, while Kean on the turn at the edge of the area, drilled in a shot, which was comfortably taken by Maignan.
However, the only goal of the first half - and of the game - was scored by the visiting side. Davide Calabria floated in a cross, which was attacked by Olivier Giroud, who outjumped Federico Gatti and powered a header into the corner beyond Szczęsny.
Into the second half, the Rossoneri looked to add to their advantage when Alexis Saelemaekers was picked out inside the area. The substitute’s angled drive was blocked by Szczęsny, who earlier had used his height advantage over Brahim Diaz inside the six-yard box.
Juve made progress into the Maignan's area on 84’, but Adrien Rabiot’s header flew wide of target. Milan had put up a red and black wall in front of their goal and Juve were invited to break it down, which they almost did in stoppage time.
A corner kick reached Danilo whose close range effort was net bound until it was blocked by Pierre Kalulua practically on his goal line.
At the full-time whistle, the visitors celebrated nailing down fourth place and Champions League football next season. For Juventus, next week’s final match at Udinese will decide the Bianconeri’s final league position.
JUVENTUS 0-1 MILAN (HT: 0-1)
Scorers: 41′ Giroud
JUVENTUS: Szczęsny; Gatti, Bremer (82′ Bonucci), Danilo; Cuadrado, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic (63′ Paredes); Di Maria (63′ Milik), Kean (72′ Iling-Junior), Chiesa. Subs not used: Perin, Pinsoglio, Alex Sandro, Rugani, Barbieri, Miretti, Sersanti. Coach: Allegri.
MILAN: Maignan; Calabria (85′ Kalulu), Thiaw, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Tonali, Krunic; Messias (56′ Saelemaekers), Brahim Diaz (81′ Pobega), Leao (81′ Ballo-Touré); Giroud (85′ Origi). Subs not used: Mirante, Tătăruşanu; Florenzi, Gabbia, Kjær; Adli, Vranckx; De Ketelaere. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Mariani.
BOOKINGS: 33′ Messias, 55′ Cuadrado, 64′ Krunic
