Juventus 2-1 AC Milan: Controversial Late Penalty Keeps Leaders' Home Streak Alive

 

Two Italian heavyweights faced off on Friday night, with Juventus emerging victorious over a robust Milan, though the match's conclusion was a highly controversial one. 

A last-gasp penalty from Paulo Dybala gave the hosts the win after Carlos Bacca had cancelled out Mehdi Benatia's opener, but there were a number of question marks over the penalty's award. 

Juventus were without the injured Giorgio Chiellini, and had Juan Cuadrado - who has made himself an essential part of Allegri's plans in recent times - absent through suspension. The back four seemed surprisingly makeshift, with the normally central, evergreen stalwart Andrea Barzagli playing at right back, with Kwadwo Asamoah filling in for Alex Sandro at left back. 

​​Going into the match, it was the visitors who carried the momentum with them, having triumphed over Juve in two of their three prior meetings this season, and both teams burst out of the blocks, with Milan Hassling the usually settled Bianconeri back line. Juve tested Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal early too through Marko Pjaca - a late replacement for Mario Mandzukic - with Sami Khedira blazing the rebound off a defender. 

Juventus then had claims for a penalty denied by the referee, with Paulo Dybala claiming he was tripped by Cristian Zapata. Replays showed that contact was made, but that the Argentine prodigy was rather seeking the contact, and made the most of his brush with the veteran Colombian. 

The Rossoneri's game plan was clearly based around the counter-attack, looking to utilise Colombian hitman Carlos Bacca and his prowess for finding the net, looking for assistance from Lucas Ocampos and Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu. 

Juve's own loanee Medhi Benatia was the man to give the Bianconeri the lead just before the half hour mark, firing home past Donnarumma from close range, to give the hosts the lead they deserved, and putting them in the driver's seat in hot pursuit of their 31st consecutive home win. 

Milan's frustration began to show, and bookings began to be dished out, not least for Deulofeu for simulation. The Spaniard took his revenge just before half time however, after absolutely roasting Barzagli for pace down Juve's right flank, before slipping the ball through for Bacca to prod beyond Gianluigi Buffon. The goal came as something of a shock to Juve's system, as it was the only quality that the Rossoneri had shown in their first half display. 

​​The second half continued to be a cagey affair, but Milan grew gradually more into the game in comparison to the first half, and their press continued to cause problems for the makeshift Juventus defence. 

The press caused Juve to adopt a more direct approach, but without the physical presence of Manduzkic in the more advanced positions, the deep lying Milan defence was comfortable in dealing with the Bianconeri's approach play - and in some instances made it easier for Milan to counter against their hosts.

Milan's press resulted in a lot of bookings, particularly for their midfield, and Jose Sosa was dismissed for a second yellow in stoppage time, cynically bringing down Asamoah as he burst forward. 

Gonzalo Higuain then spurned two glorious chances before the softest of penalties was given against Mattia De Sciglio after a cross hit him on the arm from point blank range - from a damn-near unavoidable angle. Dybala converted the penalty, amidst roars of disbelief from Milan fans and players alike.