The renowned San Siro Stadium will host a pivotal match on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as AC Milan faces off against Juventus, vying for the second spot in Serie A. This encounter goes beyond mere rivalry; it represents a critical clash between two leading teams seeking to secure their places in the Champions League while also aiming for pride as the season nears its conclusion.
Currently, AC Milan occupies third place with 66 points and aims to build on their recent hard-earned 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona. Juventus trails closely behind in fourth with 63 points and enters this fixture in strong form after winning their last three matches, highlighted by a 2-0 win against Bologna. They will strive to surpass Milan with a significant result.
The highlights from Juventus’s previous encounter with Bologna are available on the club’s YouTube channel, allowing supporters to review the key moments of their dominant performance.
Team News
Despite facing injury challenges, spirits in Turin are high. Juventus has recently extended Luciano Spalletti’s contract until 2028, reflecting his positive influence since his appointment in October.
The club is also focusing on future stability. Captain Manuel Locatelli has agreed to a long-term contract that ensures his presence at Juventus until 2030. Additionally, Juventus has finalized the transfer of Loïs Openda, anticipated to enhance their offensive capabilities in the coming seasons.
Key Players and Absences
AC Milan’s manager Massimiliano Allegri is likely to have the majority of his squad available. Nevertheless, Pervis Estupiñán is out due to suspension, and Ardon Jashari is injured. On a positive note, Rafael Leão has regained full fitness. Christian Pulisic will also be keen to break his goal drought, with no goals in his last fifteen league appearances.
Juventus faces more pressing issues. Injuries have sidelined Arkadiusz Milik and Juan Cabal. There is also concern regarding Dušan Vlahović, who is doubtful because of a calf issue that may impact their attacking options.
Head to Head Record and Stats
Historically, Juventus holds a superior record in encounters with AC Milan, having won 33 out of 75 meetings, while Milan has claimed victory 18 times.
Recent encounters have been closely contested, with three of the last four Serie A matches resulting in goalless draws. Juventus has showcased a strong defensive performance, conceding just one goal in their last six outings. Similarly, Milan has demonstrated resilience in defense, achieving seventeen clean sheets in forty-two matches across all competitions this season.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Predicted Starting Lineups
| Position | AC Milan (3-5-2) | Juventus (3-4-3) |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Mike Maignan | Michele Di Gregorio |
| Defenders | Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlović | Pierre Kalulu, Gleison Bremer, Lloyd Kelly |
| Midfielders | Alexis Saelemaekers, Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modrić, Adrien Rabiot, Davide Bartesaghi | Weston McKennie, Manuel Locatelli, Khéphren Thuram, Andrea Cambiaso |
| Forwards | Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leão | Francisco Conceição, Jonathan David, Kenan Yıldız |
Softfootball notes that once the whistle blows, the focus will shift from contract details to a tactical showdown. Milan will emphasize defensive robustness under Allegri, while Juventus aims to implement Spalletti’s proactive approach to dominate play.
With a mere three points separating the teams, this match carries significant weight. A win for AC Milan would solidify their position in the top three, while a victory for Juventus would level the points and heighten the competition for Champions League qualification as five matches remain in the season.
