The Calcio Comment: Fear prevailed between Juventus and AC Milan

Both the Rossoneri and Bianconeri seemed more concerned about avoiding damage than grabbing glory, and the match played out as a natural consequence of that caution. Neither side really tried to win, and when they did, it was with such a half-hearted effort that it seemed that the risks of defeat outweighed the rewards of victory.

For Milan, this approach was perhaps understandable. Losing a high-stakes match could have been disastrous for both their position in the table and for the morale of the team, which is already fragile, with several problems. However, Juventus could have been expected to show more ambition. After a strong start to the season, Thiago Motta's side have seen their momentum wane, and a bold performance could have been a statement.

Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that this is a rebuilding season for Juventus. The club's focus in the coming years will remain on building a Scudetto-winning team under Motta's leadership. While time will ultimately judge his tenure, the signs are promising: a six-point lead over Milan and just a four-point lead over leaders Napoli reflect steady, if cautious, progress.

Milan, meanwhile, continues to shine in Europe, but stumbles in the domestic competition. The match against Juventus was, on paper, a chance to change the narrative of their Serie A campaign and boost their season. Yet Paulo Fonseca's approach seemed more pragmatic than daring. No team plans to lose or even settle for a draw, but courage is often the key to victory – and Milan lacked that.

The Portuguese coach's careful rotation of Rafael Leão between the starting line-up and the bench underlines this conservative strategy as he looks to unlock the star striker's full potential. Right now, this strategy isn't working.

Juventus created the better chances that evening, largely thanks to Andrea Cambiaso's standout performance. Currently, Cambiaso is a revelation for Motta's team. He is a player who has everything, a dazzling presence on the field who seems to appear everywhere: attacking, defending, building up actions and even finishing them. His boundless energy and versatility have made him an indispensable asset.

Equally impressive was Kenan Yıldız, whose performances suggest he is unfazed by the weight of the iconic number 10 jersey. Rather, he appears ready to take up the team's creative mantle, demonstrating his ability to orchestrate play in high-pressure situations. Despite his influence, Yıldız and Juventus will likely feel they could have taken more advantage of the chances they created.

This match invites reflection on the changing meaning of the meetings between Milan and Juventus. Once upon a time, matches that dominated the headlines and decided league titles, but these clashes have lost some of their luster. Both teams are now in transition, with Juventus rebuilding with a young, dynamic coach and Milan on an uncertain trajectory. Meanwhile, Napoli and Inter are rising at the top, leaving little room for others to challenge.

Yet the potential of these two legendary clubs remains enormous. With an abundance of untapped talent, Milan and Juventus can still regain their place among the elite. Their fans can at least hope that these transitional years lay the foundation for a return to glory.