Milan vs. Juventus game draws criticism across Italy

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Jonathan David of Juventus is challenged by Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Juventus had the best chance in the first half when Khephren Thuram had a goal disallowed for offside, while the Rossoneri hit the crossbar with Alexis Saelemaekers after the break.

Former Serie A defender Daniele Adani, who has now become one of the most prominent pundits in Italy, didn’t hold back when analysing the match during TV show Domenica Sportiva.

“In my opinion, half of Italy is happy with this kind of match,” he said via Milannews.

“How many people do you hear saying that the best defence is simply not conceding? But how many tomorrow will be celebrating with phrases like ‘We didn’t allow the opposition a single shot on target,’ or ‘The objective is Champions League qualification?’

“I’ve been saying for 10 years that, if we want to align ourselves with the rest of the football world, we need to play with intensity, tempo, and attacking intent. Yet, I’m dismissed as a philosopher or a theorist whenever I argue that this style of football is not exportable,” he continued.

“And then we’re told that European competitions should be played abroad to help export the product.

“But the truth is that we’re a laughing stock. We don’t excite anymore. Anyone who watched Milan vs. Juventus switched off after 15 minutes. I have the perfect quote for that first half: ‘Nothing left to do, but cry.”

Juventus coach Spalletti was also unhappy with his team’s performance, arguing that his players are still not mature enough.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We do well in possession, but we lose something in the duels,” he said at a post-match press conference.

“Sometimes we produce a great surge, only to make simple mistakes on easy passes. We need to consistently maintain a high level of balance. Today, under no circumstances could we afford to lose this match. It seemed to me that more than winning, they were absolutely determined not to lose it.”