Sunday’s Derby d’Italia has the potential to be a pivotal match for both Juventus and Inter in their respective Serie A campaigns.
By Graham Ruthven
Italy’s derby
Serie A isn’t short of its historic and passionate derbies. The Derby della Capitale is fierce while the Derby della Madonnina is iconic. And yet the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus is the fixture that possibly reflects Italian football best of all.
It’s in the name – this is Italy’s derby. It pits the two most successful clubs in the country against each other with Juventus hosting Inter in the latest episode of this historic rivalry on Sunday.
There is plenty on the line for both sides. For hosts Juve, this is an opportunity to build further momentum after three straight wins in all competitions. The Old Lady haven’t won four matches in-a-row all season and so a victory over Inter would add to the sense that they have turned a corner.
Inter, meanwhile, are chasing Napoli at the top of the Serie A table. Depending on their result away to Lazio, on Saturday, the defending champions may have the opportunity to claim top spot over Antonio Conte’s side.
Juve are unbeaten in 31 of their last 32 league games while Inter are unbeaten in 18 of their last 19. Sunday’s match could be a cagey encounter between two rivals who don’t want to give away too much.
Key players
Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram have a combined 22 league goals this season, giving Inter the second most dangerous and prolific forward line in Serie A (Atalanta’s Retegui and Lookman have a staggering 30 between them). Indeed, no team has scored more goals than the Nerazzurri.
Behind the front two, Inter also boast arguably the strongest midfield unit in the division with Nicolo Barella the two-way operator who will conduct their attacks in quick transition while also providing cohesion in the middle.
Federico Dimarco is a key player for Inter in the way they funnel attacks down the left wing. Juve will need to find a way to stop him if they are to prevent the Nerazzurri from leaving Turn with a win.
Randal Kolo Muani has made an instant impact after joining Juventus on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, scoring five goals in his first three Serie A games against Roma, Como and Empoli. The Frenchman will lead the line for the hosts this weekend.
Weston McKennie scored against PSV on Tuesday and could keep his place in attacking midfield having filled in as a full back in recent matches. Renato Veiga is also expected to start in the backline after joining on loan from Chelsea.
Team news
Inter might be the fresher of the two teams on Sunday given they have had a full week’s rest whereas Juventus faced PSV in a testing Champions League match on Tuesday night. This could give the Nerazzurri an advantage.
Bremer is a long-term absentee for Juventus with Pierre Kalulu also sidelined. Andrea Cambiasso missed the match against PSV with a knock, but could make the bench against Inter this weekend.
Denzel Dumfries will be available again for Inter after missing the recent win over Fiorentina through suspension. With the exception of Raffaele Di Gennaro, Inzaghi will have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Prediction
We’re going to play it safe but considering Juve’s draw record this season, maybe a 1-1 draw is the most realistic scoreline prediction.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from Serie A with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.