AC Milan vs Juventus preview - Mixed emotions for Pirlo

Posted Saturday, February 25, 2012 by PA

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo admits he will have to put emotions to one side when he faces former club AC Milan.

The Italy international will return to the San Siro for the first time since leaving the Rossoneri outfit last summer to join Juve.

"It's going to be a very special game for me," said Pirlo, who played 10 seasons at AC Milan.

"I will feel different emotions but my focus will be on helping Juventus."

Pirlo scored his first league goal for the Turin giants in last weekend's 3-1 victory over Catania.

The result kept Juventus as the only unbeaten team in Italy and left Antonio Conte's side one point behind Serie A leaders AC Milan, although the Bianconeri have a game in hand.

Milan will again be without the team's leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic, who has netted 15 league goals so far, saw his appeal to overturn his third and final match ban denied this week.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini does not think Ibrahimovic's absence will hinder the Rossoneri.

"Milan are still favourites even without Ibrahimovic," he said. "His absence doesn't change anything.

"They have other talented players and they have proved they can win without him."

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri would have welcomed Ibrahimovic's availability considering strikers Kevin-Prince Boateng and Maxi Lopez are sidelined through injury.

"A champion like Ibrahimovic is always good to have on the pitch," Allegri said. "But we accept the decision by the Italian football league.

"Against Juventus we need to try to win even without Ibrahimovic.

"This is an important game in view of the standings. Whoever wins will boost their scudetto chances."

Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato is expected to partner Robinho in Milan's attack.

Milan have lost just once at home this season and go into the contest on the back of last weekend's 3-1 triumph at Cesena.