If we don’t take the two Portuguese out of the equation, any game between Milan and Juventus is a big deal. For starters, it’s a classic. Then there was the European final, the Champions League in 2003, with Milan winning on penalties, at Old Trafford, in Manchester. Milan and Juventus represent football excellence, thanks to their centuries-old friendship, also known as the Holy Alliance. A clear demonstration came in 2015, when Buffon seriously injured his shoulder during pre-season. What does Milan do? Borrow Abbiati, deputy Dída. The Italy international played in the starting line-up until Buffon’s return and then returned to Milan, where he made 281 appearances and is, to this day, the club’s most capped goalkeeper .
Another player with experience at both clubs is the eccentric Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is now the director of Milan and one of those responsible for hiring Paulo Fonseca as coach for Rafael Leão and his muchachos. Zlatan’s story provides background, such as the rivalry between Milan and Juventus His career at Juve lasted two seasons (2004-2006), until relegation, imposed by the Italian League, following a corruption case.
“Juventus collapsed at the Moggi gate and a stampede began. Some, be careful, stayed to play in division 2. Like Buffon, Del Piero and Nedved. Others left early: Zambrotta for Barcelona, for example. I wanted to leave. I still didn’t know where. Although Mino did not find a specific club, he was training at Juventus. Always with the fixed idea of leaving. Unlike the new coach, the French Didier Deschamps.
On the day of the first pre-season game, the Juventus bus was parked in front of the hotel, still waiting for me. I was not going to play. Any way. I wanted to get out there. same. Deschamps had other ideas and appeared in my room. This affected my PlayStation game.
Milan was the first club he was interested in, the meeting was with Braida, but they were very sure that I was not a star yet and they only talked about helping Kaká. Kaká this, Kaká that. That tired me out and I thought about getting another one. Mino didn’t even dream, but I talked about Inter, which was, after all, the former club of my idol, the phenomenon Ronaldo. Mino accepted the challenge and suddenly called him Moratti. ‘We will have a meeting with Berlusconi soon, in Giannino’s restaurant. Moratti jumped the gun and sent an emissary named Mario Branca, who smoked like a chimney. With the contract in hand, we signed everything and I was at Inter.”
Inter have three seasons and Barcelona only one. Why ‘only’? Zlatan signs for two years, but is loaned to Milan in the last one. He explains it bit by bit. “The second season at Barcelona started and Guardiola came back with those things of his. He asked me how I was. I told him the truth.
– I am ready to show my worth and enter the 11.
That questioning had already ended and I came to the conclusion that it was better to leave it at that. This was the desire of Guardiola and of Barcelona itself, as the president Josep Bartomeu made a point to say. He told me he had proposals from England and Italy. Mino and I met Bartomeu and told him our plan.
– Oh no? So we have a serious problem: I don’t need the coach and he doesn’t have the courage to tell me. And I, who wanted to stay even another year, want to leave and Real Madrid is right there at the door.
– Of course, it was a bluff. In fact, Mino had offers from Manchester City and Milan.
– Of course you can, Mourinho is at Real Madrid and I already know him from Inter. I want to go there.
– Unless it’s Milan. Mino, is Milan?
– Mino says yes, nodding.
– Twenty million euros.
Bartomeu looked at Rosell and they accepted almost immediately. For the first time, a player paid 70 million euros from year to year. Barcelona would lose.”
Zlatan, genius and figure. Always on edge, regardless of the maximum. Like Rafael Leão and Francisco Conceição.
What are the key factors that fuel the Milan vs Juventus rivalry in modern football?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today! With the famous rivalry between Milan and Juventus in the spotlight again, many fans are curious about what makes these matchups so special. To start, can you elaborate on the historical significance of this rivalry?
Football Expert: Absolutely! The rivalry between Milan and Juventus isn’t just about the games; it reflects centuries of football excellence. Their matches have produced exhilarating moments, and the 2003 Champions League final—where Milan triumphed on penalties—remains etched in football history. This clash is often referred to as a classic, partly due to the teams’ impressive records and their longstanding relationship, often dubbed the “Holy Alliance.”
Time.news Editor: The concept of a “Holy Alliance” is interesting. How does this relationship impact their interactions both on and off the pitch?
Football Expert: It’s fascinating! This alliance signifies a mutual respect rooted in their shared legacy. The incident in 2015, when Milan allowed Juventus to borrow goalkeeper Abbiati due to Buffon’s injury, showcases this. Such gestures speak volumes about the camaraderie that exists despite the fierce competition on the field.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of iconic players, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s name often surfaces in discussions about both clubs. Can you share some insights into his unique journey with Juventus and Milan?
Football Expert: Zlatan’s story is quite compelling! He had a challenging stint at Juventus, particularly during the Moggi Gate scandal, which ultimately led to their relegation. Despite these challenges, he could have stayedwith the club; however, he chose to leave. His arrival at Milan marked a new chapter, where he became integral in shaping the team’s future, and now he even holds a director role.
Time.news Editor: That shows his immense career versatility. He faced many challenges, especially under the management of coaches like Deschamps at Juventus. How have these experiences shaped his character and approach to football?
Football Expert: Zlatan’s eccentricity is part of his charm, but it also stemmed from the pressures he faced. His determination to prove himself amid uncertainty showcases his resilience. When he expressed frustration over being sidelined to support Kaká at Milan, it illustrates his fierce competitive spirit—he always wants to be the star.
Time.news Editor: And, of course, his move to Inter adds another layer to his narrative. What do you think influenced his decisions during those formative years of his career?
Football Expert: His deep-seated desire to succeed certainly played a role. The meeting with Inter’s Moratti was pivotal, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change in football. Zlatan was willing to take on challenges wherever they came, showcasing a mentality that many aspiring players can learn from. It wasn’t just about stardom; it was about asserting his presence in the game.
Time.news Editor: As we look ahead, how do you envision the future landscape for both clubs, especially with current players like Rafael Leão under the guidance of icons like Zlatan?
Football Expert: Both clubs possess a wealth of talent and a commitment to excellence. Milan has a dynamic young core, and with someone like Zlatan mentoring them, there is potential for great growth. Juventus, although facing its own challenges, has been gathering young talents who could reshape their identity. If they can foster the right environment, we could witness the rise of a new generation of stars in this storied rivalry.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times ahead for sure! As the football season progresses, we’ll certainly be tuned in to see how this rivalry unfolds. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today!
Football Expert: My pleasure! It’s always a delight to discuss the beautiful game, especially when it comes to such historic rivalries. I look forward to seeing how it all develops!