Milan Coach Allegri Returns to Turin for Juventus Showdown

Milan, Oct 2 (AP) AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri's return to Turin on Sunday is creating buzz, leaving many to wonder about the reception he will face.

Serie A leaders Milan are set to clash with Juventus, where Allegri previously had two coaching stints.

Allegri's initial tenure at Juventus concluded in 2019 after securing five consecutive titles with the Bianconeri. His return in 2021 ended last year following a controversial outburst at referees during the Italian Cup final.

Allegri's last encounter against the Bianconeri as an opponent was nearly 12 years ago, when his Milan team fell to Juventus under Antonio Conte.

Since rejoining Milan, Allegri has sparked a resurgence, lifting the team's performance significantly after an eighth-place finish last season, which saw the seven-time European champions miss continental competition.

Following a 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Cremonese in the Serie A opener, Milan rebounded, winning four consecutive games and conceding only once — during last weekend's victory over last season's champions Napoli.

Milan currently leads the table, ahead of Napoli and Roma on goal difference, and sits one point clear of Juventus, who remains unbeaten but has drawn their last two matches.

Key Matchups Juventus's performance against Milan will heavily rely on their ability to restrain Christian Pulisic. The U.S. international is in tremendous form ahead of a home World Cup, boasting six goals and two assists in seven league and cup games. He now aims to challenge Juventus' towering defenders — Bremer, Federico Gatti, and Lloyd Kelly, all over six feet tall.

Roma and Napoli will be keen to capitalize on any Milan slip as they face winless Fiorentina and Genoa.

Players to Watch Two young talents are eager to add to their scores after netting their inaugural Serie A goals last weekend.

The 20-year-old Pio Esposito, already heralded as Italy's future star striker, hit Inter Milan's second in a 2-0 triumph at Cagliari, where his older sibling Sebastiano plays.

The 17-year-old Francesco Camarda, on loan at Lecce from Milan, salvaged a 2-2 draw against Bologna with a stoppage-time goal.

Inter welcomes Cremonese on Saturday, while Lecce visits Parma.

Out of Action Inter's key forward Marcus Thuram suffered a hamstring injury during Tuesday’s comfortable 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

Como's Coach Cesc Fabregas faces a two-match suspension for this weekend's regional derby against Atalanta. Como forward Jesús Rodríguez is also serving the first of a three-match ban following a red card for an off-the-ball incident against a Cremonese player.

Atalanta has Marten de Roon and Milan’s Pervis Estupiñán suspended for one match following dismissals last weekend.

Off the Field AC Milan and Inter Milan have cleared a significant hurdle towards owning their stadium as the city council approved the San Siro sale on Tuesday. The clubs intend to demolish the 99-year-old venue and collaborate on a new 71,500-seat facility, designed by Foster + Partners and Manica. The aim is to complete the new stadium ahead of Italy's co-hosting of the 2032 European Championship with Turkey.

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