The Prodigal Return: Allegri and Rabio Face Juventus' Past in the Old Lady's Den

Allegri's Turin Return and the Rabio Reunion

Italian football fans are buzzing as Milan visits Juventus on Sunday for round six of Serie A. The Rossoneri arrive fresh from a 2-1 win over Napoli that pushed them atop the table, while Juve seek to steady their form and regain momentum.

Milan have found a golden spell under Massimiliano Allegri, the former Juventus coach, who has restored discipline and efficiency after a surprising season-opening loss to Cremonese. They have won five straight across competitions, including four consecutive league wins, signaling a rethink of approach and identity.

Their display against Napoli sent a clear message to rivals that the Rossoneri are serious about the title, especially since they are not competing in Europe this season, which allows full focus on Serie A.

The match carries special significance for Allegri, who returns to Turin for the first time as Milan’s coach, having previously guided Juventus to five league titles and two Champions League finals.

He called the comeback poignant and arrives with confidence after beating Napoli, reinforced by a full week of rest, unlike rivals juggling European duties.

Adrien Rabiot’s journey adds another emotional layer. The French midfielder, who wore Juventus for several seasons and helped win the league in 2020 and two Coppa Italia titles, moved to Milan after a controversial exit from Marseille.

Rabiot’s bond with Allegri is strong, sometimes described as father-and-son, which helped him join Milan. Allegri was among the first to reach out when the Marseille turmoil erupted, offering him a fresh start in Italy. He has settled in alongside veteran Luka Modrić, forming a balanced midfield pairing that brings both youth and experience to the engine room.

The pairing has given Milan balance and experience in midfield, contributing to their improved form and a sense they can compete with anyone in the league.

Juventus in a Technical Crunch

Juventus arrive at a critical juncture. They began the campaign with three straight wins but then hit a patch of four draws across all competitions, testing the resilience of their squad and coach.

Their last win was September 13, a 4-3 victory over Inter at the Allianz Stadium. Since then they have drawn with Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal in Europe, and with Verona and Atalanta in Serie A, highlighting the need for clearer balance and sharper attacking punch.

Injuries to centre-back Gleison Bremer and French midfielder Khéphren Thuram further complicate plans and force tactical tweaks as Allegri looks for a way to slow Milan’s momentum and reassert control of the big league games.

Top-Flight Chase: Napoli, Roma and Inter

In a race that could tilt the table, Napoli host Genoa, a side still waiting for a first win this season, with a chance to reclaim top spot if Milan stumble.

Napoli come into the game buoyed by a 2-1 win in Europe over Sporting CP, powered by Danish loanee Rasmus Hojlund’s brace, a result that offsets their 0-2 loss to Manchester City in the group stage.

Roma, sitting third, travel to Fiorentina. They had three straight domestic wins but were knocked out of the Europa League by Lille, missing chances and a late penalty, while Fiorentina arrive from a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Sigma Olomouc in the Conference League.

Inter Milan aim to extend their winning run as they host Cremonese on Saturday. The Nerazzurri have won three in a row, including a 2-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League, and will look to build on that form in the league.

The weekend’s schedule also features Verona vs Sassuolo, Parma vs Lecce, Lazio vs Torino, and Atalanta vs Como. On Sunday, Udinese host Cagliari and Bologna meet Pisa, with Juventus–Milan, Napoli–Genoa, and Roma–Fiorentina providing the marquee fixtures.

This round six could reshuffle the table; Milan could stay top with a win over Juventus, Napoli could reclaim leadership, and Roma might push further into the race. Italian football is delivering drama, tradition, and a derby flavour that never goes out of style.

Punchlines: Allegri’s tactic book is so long you need a passport to read it. And if Milan’s midfield clicks with Modrić and Rabiot, even my calendar will start predicting the next two matches with suspense.