Juventus Favored for Scudetto Despite Milan's Joint Summit

 Juventus Favored for Scudetto Despite Milan's Joint Summit

Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri and AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli warmly embrace each other during the Serie A TIM match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Sardegna Arena on September 27, 2023 in Cagliari, Italy.(Image-Getty)

AC Milan and Inter Milan may be sharing the Serie A summit, but Stefano Pioli, AC Milan's manager, is tipping Juventus as the favorites to clinch the Scudetto this season. This assessment comes on the back of AC Milan's recent 3-1 triumph over Cagliari and Inter's inaugural loss of the season against Sassuolo, which has left both teams level on 15 points at the top of the Serie A table.

Pioli emphasized that, at this juncture of the season, occupying the top spot is less important than the determination to excel. He underscored that every Serie A fixture presents its own set of challenges, but none are insurmountable.

Reigning champions Napoli currently occupy the fifth position, trailing the league leaders by a four-point margin. Juventus, meanwhile, is in third place, just two points adrift of the Milanese giants. Pioli envisions a title race involving these four clubs, with Juventus holding an advantage due to their absence from European competitions.

AC Milan is scheduled to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League shortly after their encounter with Lazio. Pioli revealed that Olivier Giroud was rested in the midweek game, providing an opportunity for Noah Okafor, who marked his debut goal for the club. Pioli expressed satisfaction with Okafor's performance and mentioned the possibility of fielding two strikers in certain matches.

Another player who made a significant impression in the victory over Cagliari was French midfielder Yacine Adli. Despite limited playing time in the previous season, Adli's recent display suggests a potentially expanded role in the team this season. Pioli commended Adli's patience and mental fortitude in adapting to a new position, highlighting his eagerness to learn and grow.

On the other hand, Lazio currently occupies the 12th position in Serie A, trailing the Milanese leaders by eight points. They secured only their second league victory of the season with a 2-0 win against Torino on Wednesday.