06 February 2015
Juventus and Milan have been the best of enemies since first crossing paths back in the old Campionato Federale in 1901, when the Rossoneri edged the Bianconeri 3-2 at the Campo di Piazza d’Armi.
A lot may have changed during the 114 years following that inaugural encounter but both teams continue to set the pulses racing whenever they face each other and Juventus v Milan is always a meeting of epic proportions.
Despite seven places and 21 points currently separating the duo in the Serie A standings, the formbook will go out of the window once the first whistle sounds at Juventus Stadium.
In order to whet the appetite ahead of Saturday's big game in Turin, Juventus.com takes a look at six crucial areas that could determine its outcome:
Seeing it out
Maintaining a lead appears to be an issue for Milan, who have dropped 14 points from winning positions this season. Only Udinese (16) and Palermo (15) have let more advantageous situations slip out of their grasp.
Tevez time?
The Argentine appears to relish the opportunity of lining up against the Rossoneri, scoring twice in three games. Both of these - fine finishes which paved the way for successes in 2013 and 2014 - have come at the San Siro.
Time for a first at Juventus Stadium?
Heads up!
Milan are the team to have conceded the second highest amount of headers in Serie A - six over the course of the season so far, one behind Cesena’s figure of seven.
Could this be the perfect game for Fernando Llorente’s aerial ability?
High conversion rate
Filippo Inzaghi’s men command a strong conversion rate from their overall chances created, scoring 31 from 194 shots (16.1 per cent). This figure is second only to that of Palermo, who boast a percentage of 16.5.
Shots fielded
Since the turn of the new year Milan have faced the second highest amount of shots on goal (81) in Serie A. Only Chievo have had to field more (86).
Will Juventus, this season’s most frequent shooters (277), be able to take advantage?
Penalty kings
The Rossoneri top the Serie A chart for penalties converted this season, dispatching six. Juventus have struck four from four, shared evenly between Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal.
