Juventus move to next target in Serie A as AC Milan 'lick wounds'

AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso conceded his side will have to lick their wounds and come out fighting after losing the Italian Super Cup trophy to an all-conquering Juventus who turn their focus back to their next target -- an eighth consecutive Serie A title -- after the three-week winter break in Italy.

Unbeaten Juventus host bottom club Chievo in Turin on Monday, a team they opened their season against with a 3-2 win in Verona, looking to stretch their lead to 12 points after 20 games.

Massimiliano Allegri's side currently have a nine-point advantage on second-placed Napoli who face a tricky test against Lazio on Sunday.

"We've started 2019 on the right foot. Forward to the next target," warned Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the only goal in Jeddah against Milan in midweek to bring his tally to 16 in all competitions.

It was Allegri's tenth trophy as Juventus boss and, after losing two of the last three Super Cup trophies, a boost in his side's assault on all fronts including the Champions League.

AC Milan -- in fifth, one point behind Lazio -- are looking for a morale-boosting return to the Champions League places against a Genoa side who have just one win in their last 12 league games.

"We lick our wounds," said Gattuso, who will watch the match from the stands after receiving a one-match touchline ban for angrily protesting a refereeing decision in Jeddah.

It was a punishing game in the heat for AC Milan who will also be without suspended trio Franck Kessie, Alessio Romagnoli and Davide Calabria in Genoa.

Kessie was shown a straight red card while Calabria was booked for a foul and captain Romagnoli also given a yellow card for dissent.

Spanish midfielder Suso however returns from suspension after missing the Super Cup.

"We have to remain calm," said Gattuso. "The important thing is recouping our energy."
- No fans, no problem for Inter -
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