Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus building up’ to big performance against Milan | OneFootball

Thiago Motta insists Juventus have been ‘building up to’ their 2-0 victory over Milan for some time, having finally ‘made fewer mistakes’ to hold on to their advantage.

The Bianconeri were still smarting from the 2-1 Supercoppa Italiana semi-final defeat to Milan in Riyadh on January 3, a game where they had taken the lead only to be undone in the second half.

This was their chance to make amends and after fumbling so many advantages, this time the Old Lady made it stick with a 2-0 victory decided by Samuel Mbangula and substitute Tim Weah.

“We work every day to win, every moment of the day is hard work to put in the performance we did today and win,” Thiago Motta told DAZN.

“You win matches like this not just on the day, but all the time building up to it. I thank the lads who are working so hard, with great effort, overcoming the many difficulties we’ve had until now and this victory compensates them for all that.”

Thiago Motta sees Juventus progress over time

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus runs with the ball under pressure from Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Juventus dominated possession, even though Milan had more clear-cut scoring opportunities in the first half.

“In the most recent match against Atalanta, we made some technical errors that gave our opponents confidence, whereas today we made fewer mistakes and psychologically that also made it clear to Milan that they were facing a team with intensity and quality,” explained the coach.

Mbangula was named Man of the Match by the Lega Serie A, as he scored the opener, then won the ball back to create the second for Weah.

“He is helping so much in every situation, is always ready to step in and make his mark not just with goals, but other moves too,” continued Thiago Motta.

Juve were visibly pressing very high around the penalty area and there was a specific plan behind that, to stop Mike Maignan playing out from the back.

“We wanted to be very aggressive, not allow Milan time on the ball and especially their goalkeeper who often is able to find teammates with passes. The lads showed great energy and it went well,” confirmed Thiago Motta.

Kenan Yildiz went off at half-time with an adductor issue, while Dusan Vlahovic was only fit for a late cameo off the bench.

With a big Champions League trip to Club Brugge coming up on Tuesday, it remains to be seen if either of them will be ready to start.