Milan Boss Stefano Pioli Names Juventus Among Scudetto Favorites

Milan head coach Stefano Pioli believes a lack of European football makes Juventus one of the front-running candidates to dethrone Napoli this season. After watching their bitter rivals fight for the Scudetto over the past three years, Massimiliano Allegri’s men seem ready to return to the Serie A title picture.

Coming into the final matchday before October’s international break, Inter and Milan were leading the way in Serie A with 18 points apiece. But after Bologna held Simone Inzaghi’s side to a 2-2 draw at Giuseppe Meazza, Pioli’s lads could go alone at the summit if they can beat Genoa on Saturday night.

Fourth-placed Juventus sit four points adrift of Milan despite blowing hot and cold across their last three league outings (W1, D1, L1). Allegri’s men see off cross-city rivals Torino 2-0 today and could cut the distance to a single point with a win, at least temporarily.

Unlike Milan, who featured in midweek Champions League action, Juventus had a week to rest and recover from last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Atalanta. Fresh legs could hand Bianconeri a significant advantage during a long campaign as Pioli backs the Turin giants to benefit from a light schedule.

“Taking the field every three days wears you down mentally at the beginning, then during the season also on the physical level,” the Milan boss said, as relayed by MilanNews.

After the break for the national teams, there was the derby, then the preparation for the match against Newcastle, then Verona… there’s a considerable expenditure of energy. In some ways, therefore, Juventus are the real favorites.

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