PA PhotosRiccardo Montolivo put in a great performance

Ahead of the visit of reigning champions Juventus to San Siro on Sunday night, Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi jetted in to pay a second visit to Milanello in as many weeks. The club President spoke of how Milan 'needed him' and pointed to the reaction his initial trip extracted following the draw at Napoli. As the former Italian prime minister embraced those around him at the full-time whistle, perhaps the Rossoneri could do with a weekly trip if this is the effect his presence has?

Milan secured an excruciatingly hard-fought victory over the Bianconeri, in perhaps one of their most impressive rear-guard performances of the season. With Champions League qualification sealed in mid-week for the home side, Juventus were severely disappointing as they looked to be suffering from their exploits against Chelsea, displaying tiredness and unusual sloppiness on the ball.

However, while the Turin giants were disappointing, Milan were a complete contrast as they battled throughout the ninety minutes. Christian Abbiati was ruled out with injury in the warm-up, and the captain's armband was passed on to Riccardo Montolivo, who in turn produced a performance packed with all the attributes of a real leader.

Nullifying the threat of the much lauded 'MVP' midfield trio of Marchisio-Vidal-Pirlo along with Nigel De Jong and Antonio Nocerino, Montolivo was a tireless figure in the middle of the park as he led the Rossoneri to victory. While those around him were equally as impressive, the stand-in captain was at his best as his box-to-box play was integral to not just winning the midfield battle, but also the game itself.

Aside from the entire back-line, in particular Kevin Constant who looks to have made the left-back position his own, similarly outstanding was young right-back Mattia De Sciglio, who looked fully assured as he continually thwarted Kwadwo Asamoah. The 20-year-old revealed Milan's objective to 'get back at Juventus after last season,' but showed maturity belying his young age in his positioning and regular interceptions.

“We played well and worked together to earn the result. However, we must keep our feet on the ground and focus on the next game with Catania. We're very happy right now, but mustn't lose our concentration,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

Having suffered an endless amount of criticism throughout the troubled start to the season, perhaps it is also fitting to now praise Massimiliano Allegri. Milan looked both organised and fully committed against what many believed was a far superior Juventus side, yet came away possibly deserving their three points having restricted the Bianconeri to little other than the odd shot at goal.

With Berlusconi revealing his chase for the signature of Pep Guardiola in mid-week, it would have been bitterly difficult for Allegri on hearing the news as he continues to fight what seems a never-ending battle to save his job.

“We defended in a very organised manner and the lads deserve so much credit for this. We worked well as a unit, which is a positive sign. I feel flattered that the club is looking for Guardiola as my replacement, seeing as he is one of the best Coaches in the world...”

Contentious penalty aside, Milan perhaps deserved a slice of luck and their victory after a spirited performance. With the Curva Sud roaring their '11 leoni' on once more this could now mark a turnaround in fortune, and with the ghosts of Sulley Muntari's goal well exorcised, Montolivo's Milan were good value for their three points.

Who was your man of the match against Juventus? Is Allegri now beginning to turn things around or did Milan just take advantage of a poor Juve performance?

For all the latest Milan and Serie A news, you can follow me on Twitter @italiafooty

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