Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri says he is focused on the dangers Monza pose rather than the opportunity to go top of Serie A.
Victory at ninth-placed Monza on Friday will take Juventus above Inter, at least for 48 hours, with the leaders facing an awkward assignment at fourth-placed Napoli on Sunday evening.
But Monza upset Juventus 1-0 at home last season before recording a 2-0 victory at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
“It won’t be easy in Monza and we’ve known this since last year,” Allegri said at his pre-match press conference.
“They are the only team that took six points off of us last season and we didn’t find a way to score against them.
“We face a team with good players who have put many teams in difficulty, the numbers say so.
“Monza, as often happens in football, demonstrates that the difference is mainly made by the defensive phase: in the last 10 games they have not conceded a goal three times and in the other seven they have only conceded one.
“They all defend together, united, so it will be a difficult match.”
While Monza have lost only once in 10 games – 1-0 at Jose Mourinho’s Roma – the Bianconeri are unbeaten in eight with six wins during that sequence.
But Allegri, whose side drew 1-1 at home to Inter last weekend, has played down Juventus’ impressive start to the season.
He said: “We know what our limits are, the group is cohesive and we hold a good spot in the standings, but we haven’t achieved anything yet and we know that in football you can’t afford to give up.
“There are six games left until the end of the first round – four away games and two direct clashes at home – so we have to take one step at a time.
“We always have to look at fifth in the standings and have to watch our backs to maintain the gap from the teams behind us.
“However, this cannot be done with the result of a single match: the championship is a marathon, not a speed race.
“Being two points behind Inter is a source of pride, but again, we haven’t achieved anything yet.”
Juventus have both Danilo and Alex Sandro, who made a late appearance from the bench against Inter, available after injury and will check on Manuel Locatelli.
Italy midfielder Locatelli played the final half-hour against Inter after suffering a fractured rib that ruled him out of international duty in November.
Allegri said: “In his case it’s a problem of pain: against Inter he came on and managed to lend a hand to the team.
“We’ll see how he responds in training. If he is not available, I will make my assessments on Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, otherwise we will find another solution.”
What the papers say
Juventus have emerged as potential suitors for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, 30, according to the Daily Mirror. The Gunners have been linked with Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, 25.
Chelsea are streamlining their transfer policy with a “one in, one out” approach. The Daily Telegraph says the move could see a number of players making way for new signings.
Among those who could leave the Blues are 39-year-old Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, whose contract is set to expire next summer, according to the Evening Standard. England Under-21 defender Trevoh Chalobah, 24, who is up for sale is another who coule be on the way out.
Social media round-upPlayers to watch
Tristan Aldcroft Panduro: Manchester City and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the 15-year-old FC Copenhagen midfielder, reports the Daily Mail.
Marc Guehi: Manchester United have made Crystal Palace’s 23-year-old centre-back their primary January target, according to Football Insider.
Inter Milan remain two points clear at the top of Serie A after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at nearest rivals Juventus.
Dusan Vlahovic gave the home side the lead after starting and finishing a well-worked move in the 27th minute, but Lautaro Martinez equalised just five minutes later with a first-time finish which capped a stunning team goal.
The latest instalment of the derby d’Italia petered out in the second half and Juve never seriously threatened to complete a sixth straight win which would have taken them a point clear at the summit.
The first good chance fell to the home side in the 15th minute and Federico Chiesa should have done better than shooting wide after being picked out in the centre of the area.
At the other end, Martinez was unable to significantly trouble Wojciech Szczesny with a header after getting on the end of a deep cross from Denzel Dumfries.
However, any fears that two teams with such superb defensive records would lead to a stalemate were extinguished in brilliant style as Juve took the lead in the 27th minute.
Vlahovic won the ball in midfield and released Chiesa to race into the penalty area, where he pulled the ball back perfectly for Vlahovic to open up his body and side-foot a shot into the bottom corner.
Vlahovic’s fifth goal of the season was his first since mid-September but was cancelled out five minutes later thanks to a stunning team move from the visitors.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s ball to Dumfries was met with a first-time pass to Nicolo Barella, who deftly turned the ball immediately into the path of Marcus Thuram.
Thuram surged forward before picking out Martinez with a low cross which the Argentinian struck first-time into the bottom corner – just the eighth goal Massimiliano Allegri’s side have conceded in the league this season.
Inter dominated possession in the second half as they showed why they came into the fixture with a 100 per cent away record, although there were more yellow cards than clear-cut chances in a disappointing 45 minutes.
Juan Cuadrado had the right to feel hard done by at being booked after seemingly winning the ball in a 50-50 challenge, but Filip Kostic could have no complaints about being cautioned for a cynical foul which halted a counter-attack from the visitors.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has suggested Sunday’s table-topping clash with Inter Milan is not the time for change.
Inter go into the latest instalment of the derby d’Italia with a two-point advantage at the top of the Serie A table.
A sixth success in a row for Juventus would take them to the summit and Allegri has hinted he would not be making radical changes to his winning side.
The 56-year-old told a press conference: “We’re approaching the game as best we can and we’ve prepared well for it.
“It’s a big test for us and it can help us improve as a team. We’re up against the league leaders and the title favourites.
“We have lots of midfield options and I don’t think switching formation is a good idea. All our forwards are in good shape. They have to make a decisive contribution.”
Juventus conceded their first goal since September in the 2-1 home win over Cagliari last time out and Allegri continued: “It will come down to small margins tomorrow and it should be an excellent test for us. The lads are all ready to play.
“It’s sure to be a great football spectacle with a full stadium – but the season doesn’t end tomorrow.
“It’s been a long time since we were playing for top spot. We must show our desire to win it. I’m confident the lads will perform well.
“We’re approaching the game as best we can and we’ve prepared well for it. It’s a big test for us and it can help us improve as a team. We’re up against the league leaders and the title favourites.
“I have a solid, close-knit group of players who are ready to produce a big performance in what will be a fantastic match for Italian football. We must keep working away and maintain our hunger.
“Football is full of surprises and you have to deal with them calmly.”
On their opponents, he added: “(Simone) Inzaghi and Inter are doing really well. They give little away and if they take the lead, it’s difficult to get back in the game.”
Inter have a 100 per cent away record and are chasing a seventh-successive victory in all competitions.
Boss Inzaghi told his team’s pre-match press conference: “It will be a challenging game, with maximum concentration required.”
Benjamin Pavard is again ruled out for the visitors with the knee injury sustained in the win at Atalanta three weeks ago, while fellow defender Alessandro Bastoni joins him on the sidelines because of a calf issue sustained on international duty with Italy.
Second-half goals from Bremer and Daniele Rugani helped Juventus move to the Serie A summit with a 2-1 home win over Cagliari.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side struggled to break down the visitors during a tense first half, but finally made the breakthrough when Bremer headed home a free-kick by Filip Kostic in the 60th minute.
Kostic created the second 10 minutes later when Rugani bundled his delivery over the line, but there would be no seventh consecutive clean sheet for the hosts after Alberto Dossena reduced the deficit to set up a grandstand finish.
Juventus were able to hold on to at least temporarily take over at the top from previous leaders Inter, who play Frosinone on Sunday before the title rivals do battle in a fortnight after the upcoming international break.
Adrien Rabiot was suspended for Allegri’s side in Turin, which meant Andrea Cambiaso was drafted into the starting line-up as a result.
Chances during the opening exchanges were few and far between with more focus off the pitch with 24-time tennis grand-slam champion Novak Djokovic in attendance at Allianz Stadium.
It was Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari who fashioned the first opportunity, but Nicolas Viola dragged wide from a promising position in the 10th minute.
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The hosts responded soon after with Federico Chiesa curling a free-kick harmlessly over before the visitors threatened again when Dossena headed wide from a corner.
Chances remained limited in a tight first half, but Weston McKennie went close to a superb goal on the cusp of half-time.
McKennie started the move deep inside Juventus’ half and got on the end of Kostic’s cross, although he could only flick off target to ensure it stayed goalless at the break.
Allegri’s men came out with better intent after the interval and Chiesa tested Simone Scuffet inside 60 seconds, but the Cagliari goalkeeper was equal to the effort.
Chiesa was in the mood now and sent an ambitious volley over before he rifled wide after a dangerous cross from Kostic.
Kostic’s delivery was beginning to cause the away side problems and the opener finally arrived on the hour mark.
A free-kick from the wing-back picked out Bremer, who powered a header into the far corner for his first goal of the campaign.
One quickly became two when another Kostic set-piece resulted in Rugani bundling the ball into the net from close range in the 70th-minute.
The goal was not without controversy after Rugani first diverted Kostic’s corner onto the crossbar with his hand in close proximity before he was able to chest the loose ball in to make it 2-0.
A VAR check allowed the goal to be given, but Cagliari reduced the deficit with 16 minutes left.
Jakub Jankto’s corner was powered home by Dossena to give Ranieri’s side hope of earning their veteran manager his 700th point in Serie A.
There would be no happy ending for Ranieri at the home of his old club Juventus after Dossena’s late header hit a post and Gaetano Oristanio sent another effort wide.
Manuel Locatelli has signed a new contract with Juventus which will keep him at the Turin club until 2028.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who was part of the Italy squad which triumphed at Euro 2020, initially joined the Bianconeri in 2021 on a loan deal with an obligation to buy from Sassuolo which was reported to have ultimately cost Juve 35 million euros (£30.5m).
A club statement read: “This signature until 2028 is a dream come true that is still continuing. It is another promise to himself and to his Juventus.”
Locatelli, a lifelong Juventus fan, began his professional career with AC Milan, having started out in the Atalanta youth ranks.
He joined Sassuolo initially on loan before making his move there permanent in 2019.
What the papers say
Arsenal’s Thomas Partey reportedly wants out of the Premier League club with Italian giants Juventus considering tabling an offer in the January transfer window, the Daily Mail reports. The 30-year-old has played 85 games for Arsenal since his arrival in 2020.
Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries but – according to the Daily Mail via Italian newspaper CalcioMercato – the club has slapped a £43million asking price on the 27-year-old Netherlands international.
Social media round-upPlayers to watch
Lloyd Kelly: The 25-year-old Bournemouth defender has attracted interest from Tottenham, Liverpool, Newcastle and AC Milan, but his club will reportedly turn down any approaches for him, Teamtalk reports.
Andre: Liverpool, Arsenal and Fulham have sent representatives to watch the 22-year-old Fluminense midfielder in the Copa Libertadores final. The Brazilian reportedly has an agreement to leave the South American champions in January for around £30million, Portuguese outlet Globo Esporte says.
An early goal from Fabio Miretti proved decisive as Juventus held on for a 1-0 win at Fiorentina on Sunday.
Miretti struck in the 10th minute but Juve also owed much to a strong defensive effort as they claimed a victory that lifted them to within two points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Fiorentina controlled much of the play at the Artemio Franchi Stadium but were unable to find a way past Wojciech Szczesny in the Juve goal.
The game had gone ahead despite some calls for it to be postponed following the storms that have devastated parts of the region in recent days. Players from both teams stood together in tribute to the victims prior to kick-off.
When the game got under way, Juve seized the advantage with their first attack.
Fiorentina’s defence were caught out as the visitors broke with speed and Fabiano Parisi missed a chance to intercept as the ball was slipped to Filip Kostic on the left of the area.
Kostic made the most of the opening and slid a pass across the box which Miretti met with a firm first-time strike at the near post that Pietro Terracciano could not keep out.
The hosts responded well to the setback but continually met with frustration in their attempts to find an equaliser.
Antonin Barak got into a good position but fired well over before Nicolas Gonzalez shot straight at Szczesny.
Gonzalez forced a better save from the former Arsenal goalkeeper with a volley and Cristiano Biraghi tested the Pole with a free-kick before the interval.
Juve tried to break out and make the result safe early in the second half, but Moise Kean was denied by a Luca Ranieri block and Fiorentina continued to dictate the pace.
Rolando Mandragora dragged an effort wide and Giacomo Bonaventura also missed the target with a fierce strike before Szczesny saved from Christian Kouame.
Fiorentina fought to the end but they were unable to create any more clear-cut chances after M’Bala Nzola headed over with three minutes remaining.
Andrea Cambiaso almost added a second for Juve in stoppage time but Terracciano saved.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is happy for Juventus to continue their progress under the radar.
The Turin club are firmly in the Serie A title hunt after a strong start to the season as they bid to make a return to European qualification, having been excluded from this year’s Europa Conference League over breaches of UEFA’s financial fair play rules.
Juventus travel to Fiorentina on Sunday night bidding for a fourth straight win and Allegri is pleased with their progress.
“We must work on our weaknesses and become rock solid,” Allegri told his pre-match press conference.
“We’re on the right track but we’ve only played 10 games and that’s not enough to achieve our goal of qualifying for next year’s Champions League.
“As I said, the important thing is working hard to grow and improve to become a rock-solid team. We need to be more precise and efficient in front of goal as well as improving our defence because things can go wrong very quickly in football.
“It takes balance. We have to remain solid throughout the season because we’ve got a goal to achieve.
“Low profile, less talk and more graft.”
After an impressive start to the campaign, Fiorentina’s form has tailed off a touch having lost their last two matches without scoring.
But Allegri is wary of the threat posed by the hosts, with Nicolas Gonzalez a particular challenge to Juventus having scored five goals in nine matches.
“It’s a big game tomorrow because there’s always been great rivalry between Juve and Fiorentina,” Allegri added.
“They’re an excellent side even though they’re coming in off the back of two league defeats. They like to attack and play good football.
“We’re going to need a big performance if we want to come away with a good result. I consider Fiorentina one of the best-equipped teams of the season because they have lots of great players both technically and physically.
“They will be fighting for a place in the top four. This year Fiorentina have got a great squad.
“They have a striker like Nico Gonzalez, two centre-forwards with Christian Kouame on the left and Giacomo Bonaventura who’s doing big things. Arthur has also recovered from injury and is doing well.”
Former Everton striker Moise Kean has yet to score this season in nine appearances for Juventus and Italy but Allegri praised the 23-year-old’s growth and told all his attackers that they need to contribute.
“Kean is in a great place. He’s grown both physically and technically and his mentality has improved no end. I’m happy with him but he must keep improving,” Allegri added.
“All five of our forwards are in good form. (Federico) Chiesa and (Dusan) Vlahovic know they need to contribute to the good of the team, just like the rest of the group because everyone is important.”
Andrea Cambiaso struck with virtually the last kick of the game as Juventus climbed to the top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over Hellas Verona.
Moise Kean had earlier seen two goals disallowed by VAR as Verona chased an unlikely point in their battle against relegation.
Verona have never won away at Juventus in Serie A history and that record now stands at 33 matches, following a heartbreaking defeat.
Juve thought they had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Kean, after 10 league games without a goal, spun his marker 25 yards out and launched an unstoppable drive past Lorenzo Montipo.
But the VAR took the play back to when Kean originally collected the ball before turning back on himself and adjudged him fractionally offside.
Kean was denied again moments later when his header from Manuel Locatelli’s corner was tipped over by Montipo.
The Italy striker, still aggrieved at having his goal ruled out, beat another couple of challenges on the edge of the box but, having been forced wide, he lashed his shot off target.
Verona weathered the storm and fashioned a couple of half chances, but Michael Folorunsho and Milan Djuric fired wide while Wojciech Szczesny saved from Federico Bonazzoli just before the break.
Kean squandered another presentable chance early in the second half when he planted a free header wide.
His frustration grew to boiling point when he glanced a superb header home after a sweeping Juve attack, only for VAR to haul it back for a foul by the forward in the build-up.
The 23-year-old was promptly booked for hurling the ball away after another decision went against him.
An 11th match without a goal came to an end on the hour when Kean was replaced by Federico Chiesa.
The substitute was immediately in the thick of the action, forcing Montipo to acrobatically tip his shot over the top.
Chiesa had his head in his hands moments later when he received a cut-back from the byline, only to see his first-time shot from 10 yards cleared off the line by Davide Faraoni.
Federico Gatti tried his luck from 25 yards, but his fierce drive flew wide and teenage substitute Kenan Yildiz lifted a glorious chance too.
But Juve’s moment came at the end of six minutes of stoppage time when Arkadiusz Milik’s header came back off the inside of the far post and Cambiaso smashed in the rebound.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri says his side have to make their impressive win at AC Milan last week count when they face Hellas Verona on Saturday.
A 1-0 win at the San Siro saw Juve cut the gap on Milan to just one point, with Serie A leaders Inter two points further ahead.
“Tomorrow’s match is a tricky one: it is a more difficult match to prepare for than last Sunday’s, Verona have great physical strength and are physically demanding over the 90 minutes,” he told the club’s official website.
“We must make Sunday’s victory count by getting a result, otherwise we risk throwing overboard what we have achieved.
“We will have a better chance of winning if we match our opponents, and it is something we must always do, because it is a question of respect, regardless of the team in front of us.
“We will have our supporters behind us and that will be important, we will need structure, compactness and patience, because what is important is the three points and not the rankings; if anything we have to push those chasing us further away.
“The objective, clearly, is to be in the top four and play in the Champions League next year, then we will evaluate where we are at the end of the season.
“The growth of the team is based on balance and daily work, even if it is true that having young players gives enthusiasm and light-heartedness, the group wants to work, everyone plays as a team and puts their personal objectives in the background.”
Juve have had a good week in training, with Allegri having decisions to make.
“We’re all fine, Federico Chiesa came back and had a good week, so did Dusan Vlahovic,” he said.
“Hans Nicolussi Caviglia is a player who can also play in midfield, but his role is in front of the defence, his time will also come.
“He knows how to play football very well, but he has to grow in other aspects; Weston McKennie is doing well and can be important tomorrow too.
“On the left I have a doubt between Andrea Cambiaso and Filip Kostic, and I also have Samuel Iling-Junior who is definitely improving.”
Juventus applied pressure at the top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over AC Milan at San Siro thanks to a deflected goal from former Rossoneri midfielder Manuel Locatelli.
Milan were reduced to 10 men in the 40th minute when defender Malick Thiaw brought down Moise Kean, who was through on goal, and was shown a straight red.
And Juve took advantage of the extra man to net a 63rd-minute winner through Locatelli, whose long-range shot cannoned off Milan substitute Rade Krunic and past Antonio Mirante
Juve’s win leaves them a point behind second-placed AC Milan, and two behind leaders Inter.
Jose Mourinho’s Roma claimed a third successive league win with a 1-0 victory over Monza courtesy of Stephan El Shaarawy’s 90th-minute strike.
Bottom two Salernitana and Cagliari drew 2-2 in a game where all four strikes came in the final 11 minutes, including a stoppage-time Boulaye Dia penalty to secure a point for the hosts.
Bologna’s Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson and Lorenzo De Silvestri both struck in the space of three first-half minutes to earn their side a 2-1 victory over Frosinone.
Atalanta bounced back after last week’s defeat at Lazio with a 2-0 win over Genoa through goals from Ademola Lookman and Ederson.
In Spain, Barcelona left it late to claim a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Montjuic, with teenager Marc Guiu netting a fairytale winner on his debut.
The hosts were frustrated by the stubborn visitors before 17-year-old Guiu scored seconds after coming off the bench in the 80th minute to give Xavi’s team the win.
Girona hit back from two goals down to thrash Almeria 5-2 and continue their remarkable start to the LaLiga season which sees them level on 25 points with leaders Real Madrid after 10 games.
Leo Baptistao’s early brace had Almeria dreaming of an upset but Girona, aided by two Artem Dovbyk goals, roared back to lead 3-2 at half-time before finishing the job after the break.
Rayo Vallecano claimed a last-gasp 1-0 victory at Las Palmas after Bebe converted a stoppage-time penalty before the visitors lost Oscar Valentin to a red card.
Villareal were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Alaves, with Gerard Moreno’s penalty cancelling out Samu Omorodion’s strike.
In France, Monaco regained their position at the top of Ligue 1 after Aleksandr Golovin’s double saw them claim a 2-1 comeback win over Metz and move one point clear of second-placed Nice, who won on Saturday night.
Lorient recorded only their second win of the season with a 2-1 victory at home to Rennes.
Lille beat Brest 1-0 which saw them replace their opponents in fourth spot and Toulouse were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Reims.
Nantes continued to climb the table as they saw off Montpellier 2-0 with goals from Florent Mollet and Kader Bamba – the club’s fourth win in five games .
In Germany, Augsburg recovered from 2-0 down after 18 minutes to beat Heidenheim 5-2 away from home while Cologne picked up their first win of the season after defeating Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1, Florian Kainz netting twice from the penalty spot.
Juventus applied pressure at the top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over AC Milan at San Siro thanks to a deflected goal from former Rossoneri midfielder Manuel Locatelli.
Milan were reduced to 10 men in the 40th minute when defender Malick Thiaw brought down Moise Kean, who was through on goal, and was shown a straight red.
And Juve took advantage of the extra man to net a 63rd-minute winner through Locatelli, whose long-range shot cannoned off Milan substitute Rade Krunic and past Antonio Mirante
Juve’s win leaves them a point behind second-placed AC Milan, and two behind leaders Inter.
Jose Mourinho’s Roma claimed a third successive league win with a 1-0 victory over Monza courtesy of Stephan El Shaarawy’s 90th-minute strike.
Bottom two Salernitana and Cagliari drew 2-2 in a game where all four strikes came in the final 11 minutes, including a stoppage-time Boulaye Dia penalty to secure a point for the hosts.
Bologna’s Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson and Lorenzo De Silvestri both struck in the space of three first-half minutes to earn their side a 2-1 victory over Frosinone.
Atalanta bounced back after last week’s defeat at Lazio with a 2-0 win over Genoa through goals from Ademola Lookman and Ederson.
In Spain, Barcelona left it late to claim a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Montjuic, with teenager Marc Guiu netting a fairytale winner on his debut.
The hosts were frustrated by the stubborn visitors before 17-year-old Guiu scored seconds after coming off the bench in the 80th minute to give Xavi’s team the win.
Girona hit back from two goals down to thrash Almeria 5-2 and continue their remarkable start to the LaLiga season which sees them level on 25 points with leaders Real Madrid after 10 games.
Leo Baptistao’s early brace had Almeria dreaming of an upset but Girona, aided by two Artem Dovbyk goals, roared back to lead 3-2 at half-time before finishing the job after the break.
Rayo Vallecano claimed a last-gasp 1-0 victory at Las Palmas after Bebe converted a stoppage-time penalty before the visitors lost Oscar Valentin to a red card.
Villareal were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Alaves, with Gerard Moreno’s penalty cancelling out Samu Omorodion’s strike.
In France, Monaco regained their position at the top of Ligue 1 after Aleksandr Golovin’s double saw them claim a 2-1 comeback win over Metz and move one point clear of second-placed Nice, who won on Saturday night.
Lorient recorded only their second win of the season with a 2-1 victory at home to Rennes.
Lille beat Brest 1-0 which saw them replace their opponents in fourth spot and Toulouse were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Reims.
Nantes continued to climb the table as they saw off Montpellier 2-0 with goals from Florent Mollet and Kader Bamba – the club’s fourth win in five games .
In Germany, Augsburg recovered from 2-0 down after 18 minutes to beat Heidenheim 5-2 away from home while Cologne picked up their first win of the season after defeating Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1, Florian Kainz netting twice from the penalty spot.
Former AC Milan midfielder Manuel Locatelli returned to haunt his old side as he claimed the goal which gave Juventus a 1-0 victory in San Siro.
Locatelli, who joined Milan at the age of 11 only to leave for Turin a decade later in 2021, enjoyed a huge slice of luck to net the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute courtesy of a massive deflection off Milan substitute Rade Krunic.
The unfortunate Krunic had only been on the pitch three minutes but there was little he could do when Locatelli’s speculative 30-yard shot, which was heading wide, cannoned off him and left third-choice goalkeeper Antonio Mirante stranded.
Juve had struggled to make the most of the numerical advantage handed to them five minutes before half-time when Milan defender Malick Thiaw was shown a red card for hauling down Moise Kean as he made a run on goal.
In fact Locatelli’s shot was their best attempt in the 50 minutes they faced the 10 men but even victory over Milan for the first time in six matches, inflicting their hosts’ first home defeat of the season, did not appear to impress head coach Massimiliano Allegri who became increasingly agitated on the touchline.
Victory moved Juve, who registered a fourth successive clean sheet for the first time since January – meaning they have now have the most shut-outs (16) in Serie A in 2023, to within a point of Milan and just two behind leaders Inter.
There had been little between the two sides prior to Thiaw’s sending off after he was adjudged to have denied Kean a goalscoring opportunity as the Juve forward raced onto Timothy Weah’s through-ball in the inside-right channel.
Olivier Giroud had Milan’s best chance in the 14th minute when his low shot on the turn from Rafael Leao’s cross was tipped around the post by former Arsenal team-mate Wojciech Szczesny.
Adrien Rabiot flashed a cross-shot wide of the left-hand post of the 40-year-old Mirante, making his first appearance in two years, before the red card saw Christian Pulisic sacrificed in order to be able to bring on Pierre Kalulu.
Kean should have put the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time but after getting between Fikayo Tomori and Alessandro Florenzi he failed to connect properly with Rabiot’s low, inswinging cross from six yards out.
Juve failed to make their advantage account until the 63rd minute when Locatelli let fly and benefited from the unfortunate Krunic’s inadvertent intervention.
Mirante, himself a former Juve player, then found himself with more to do as he tipped over Dusan Vlahovic’s powerful strike before producing a good double save from Andrea Cambiaso and Vlahovic in added time.
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri will allow Nicolo Fagioli to spend the seven months of his suspension for betting breaches seeking treatment for his addiction while keeping himself fit for potential involvement in the run-in.
Bianconeri midfielder Fagioli, 22, had five months of a one-year ban suspended this week and was fined 12,500 euros (£10,848), while he agreed to a therapy plan of at least six months to tackle his gambling problem.
The ban means Fagioli – who has the Turin club’s official support – will miss almost the entirety of the Serie A campaign that remains but he will be eligible for the final two games, against Bologna and Monza, in May.
Allegri hopes Juve will then be in a position to challenge for the Scudetto, if they have not already claimed their first championship since 2020, and Fagioli will be enthusiastically welcomed back into the fold to get the Old Lady over the line.
Before Sunday evening’s trip to title rivals AC Milan, the boss told a press conference: “We have said everything regarding Fagioli, the club have expressed their opinion and I agree.
“Now a journey begins for Nicolo that will bring him back to the field in May – these seven months will help him maintain his athletic condition while he engages in social work.”
Going into the weekend Juve were four points behind leaders Milan, with Inter wedged in between the pair, and Allegri plans to extend their three-match unbeaten run with a positive result that would certainly turn up the heat in the title race.
“We’re expecting a good and challenging match tomorrow, with first against third in the standings,” he said. “We know the difficulties this match brings, playing at San Siro is both beautiful and difficult.”
On their hopes of reclaiming their status as top dogs in Italy, he added: “Are we favourites? Our goal is to earn as many points as possible to reach the end of May in the top four.
“In the meantime, let’s enjoy tomorrow’s match against Milan and then we’ll see what we’ve been able to do.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is suspended alongside Fagioli, with the defensive trio of Mattia De Sciglio, Alex Sandro and Danilo out injured.
Milan, who have won four straight league games, are without the banned duo of goalkeeper Mike Maignan and defender Theo Hernandez, while English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is among the high-profile names still on the treatment table.
With Maignan unavailable, Rossoneri boss Stefano Pioli is planning to throw veteran stopper Antonio Mirante, 40, into action for the first time this campaign and has no concerns whatsoever about his ability to cope with the Juve attack.
He told reporters: “Will we change the way we play with Mirante in goal? No.
“Antonio knows how to read plays and watch the gaps, so it will be down to the outfield guys to better understand how Juve move and therefore how to deal with them.”
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