Juventus vs. AC Milan. For lovers of calcio, it does not really get any bigger than this. Friday’s encounter between the two Italian giants will be their fourth of the campaign and arguably the most important of all.

After seven consecutive league wins, the Bianconeri had enjoyed undisputed domestic bragging rights in the fixture until the winter, defeats in Serie A at the San Siro and the Italian Super Cup in Doha adding a degree of balance to the rivalry in favour of the Rossoneri.

Goals from Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic in the Coppa Italia last month though sent Juve through to the semi-finals at Milan’s expense and a further success tomorrow evening for Massimiliano Allegri’s men would keep them on course for glory on all three fronts this season; a Champions League last 16 second-leg meeting with Porto lies in wait next Tuesday night.

Expect any dips in attention, focus or intensity however to be punished by Vincenzo Montella’s vibrant visitors – no one has taken more points from Juve in Serie A history than Milan (54 draws, 49 victories) – who will look to become the first Rossoneri side to taste success in Turin since March 2011.

A disappointing draw in Udine last weekend brought an end to a run of 10 straight successes in all competitions for Juventus, who could not wish for a better fixture than Milan in front of their own supporters to return to winning ways.

After all, the 2-0 dismissal of Empoli a fortnight ago was the Old Lady’s 30th win in a row at Juventus Stadium, a spell in which the champions have scored 71 times, conceding just 10 at the other end.

A Spring awakening from Milan in recent weeks – picking up 13 points from a possible 15 after registering three consecutive defeats against Napoli, Udinese and Sampdoria at the end of January – will give them slight hope of an upset against a side that hasn’t gone more than one game without a win since September 2015.