October 22, (THEWILL) – Manuel Locatelli returned to the San Siro to haunt his former club, AC Milan, by netting a deflected winner to hand Juventus a 1-0 victory on Sunday night. The Italian midfielder, who joined Milan at 11 before leaving for Turin in 2021, enjoyed a huge slice of luck with what proved the decisive goal in the 63rd minute. His speculative 30-yard effort looked to be heading wide before cannoning off Milan sub, Rade Krunic, to wrong-foot keeper, Antonio Mirante.
The goal came after Milan were reduced to 10 men when Malick Thiaw saw red for bringing down Moise Kean. Despite having the extra man for 50 minutes, Juve struggled to create clear openings until Locatelli’s strike. The win ended a six-match winless run against Milan and inflicted a first home loss this term on the Rossoneri.
Juve registered a fourth straight clean sheet for the first time since January, underlining their defensive solidity. Prior to Thiaw’s dismissal there was little between the sides. Olivier Giroud went close for Milan before Kean spurned a great chance on the stroke of halftime.
Even after going down to 10, Milan initially held firm. However, Locatelli’s slice of luck proved decisive. Mirante then denied Dusan Vlahovic and Andrea Cambiaso late on as Juve closed out victory.
The win moves Juve to within a point of second-placed Milan and two behind leaders Inter. Max Allegri’s side are finding form again after a difficult start to the Serie A season.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
