The headline fixture of Serie A this weekend takes place at the Allianz Arena on Sunday evening (19:45 BST), where Juventus host AC Milan in a clash that could have early title-race implications. 

It’s first against fourth in the standings, with the Rossoneri looking to extend their lead at the top and the Old Lady desperate to rediscover their rhythm after stalling in recent weeks.

Team form

Juventus began the new season in perfect fashion, picking up three consecutive wins over Parma, Genoa, and fierce rivals Inter Milan. Those victories raised expectations that the Bianconeri could be serious contenders this year, but momentum has slowed. 

Successive draws against Verona and Atalanta have seen them drop off the early pace, and Igor Tudor will know that failure to win here could widen the gap to Milan. The Allianz remains a fortress, but Juve need goals and a spark of creativity to reignite their challenge.

AC Milan arrive in Turin at the opposite end of the form spectrum. After being stunned 2-1 at home by Cremonese on the opening weekend, they’ve looked like a team reborn. Wins over Lecce, Bologna, and Udinese steadied the ship, but last weekend’s 2-0 victory over defending champions Napoli at San Siro sent out a real statement of intent.

Massimiliano Allegri’s Rossoneri are disciplined at the back and clinical in the final third, and a win on Sunday would further underline their Scudetto credentials.

Head-to-head

This fixture has produced cagey encounters in recent seasons. Across their last five Serie A meetings, Juventus have won twice, Milan once, and the other two ended goalless. Low-scoring games have been the trend, with all five matches finishing under 2.5 goals and neither side managing to score in the same game. 

The only contest in that span to see more than one goal came in Turin last season, when Juventus ran out 2-0 winners. With both sides priding themselves on defensive organisation, this has all the makings of another tight affair.

Team news

Juventus have some injury concerns to contend with. Francisco Conceicao was sidelined last weekend with a muscle strain, while both Khephren Thuram and Gleison Bremer picked up knocks in the draw with Atalanta. Juve will be desperate for all three to prove their fitness ahead of Sunday, given the importance of their roles across midfield and defence.

Milan are sweating over the condition of Fikayo Tomori, who limped off late in the win against Napoli and faces a race against time to feature. Losing such a key defender would be a huge blow for Allegri’s men, especially with Pervis Estupinan also suspended following a red card against Napoli, though they do still boast one of the strongest backlines in Serie A. 

Key stats

• Milan have conceded just three goals in five Serie A games this season.

• Kenan Yildiz has contributed three assists and a goal for Juventus already this term.

• Christian Pulisic has been electric for Milan, scoring four goals and registering two assists in five league games.

• Each of the last five meetings between the sides has produced under 2.5 goals.

Prediction

The Allianz will provide a fierce atmosphere for this heavyweight showdown, but recent form suggests Milan are the side with momentum. Juventus remain a tough nut to crack and will make life difficult, but Allegri’s Rossoneri look well-balanced and full of confidence after toppling Napoli. Expect another tight, low-scoring affair, but Milan might just have the extra edge to leave Turin with three points.