The Derby d’italia between Juventus and Inter is one of the most prestigious and watched matches in all of Italy and even the world. The rivalry of these greats has a long history and it is clear that it will attract the interest of spectators this time as well, especially when both teams can strive for Scudetto. “It’s hard to say who’s the favorite, but I think Inter, along with Naples and Milan, are Scudetto’s candidates,” said home coach Allegri without mentioning Juventus. The “Old Ladies” coach persistently defends the position of the favorite, despite the fact that Juve is seven points apart from the first AC. His priority is reportedly gaining fourth place and qualifying for the Champions League.
Juventus loses seven points to AC Milan leader and his format club must try to attack the title, despite what his coach reports. Bianconeri have more than decent form. They haven’t lost sixteen games in a row in Serie A, and if they beat Inter, they would move to third place. “Tomorrow we will have to show a great performance against the Italian champions, beat them and consolidate fourth place. We drew in Milan, we lost in the Super Cup, so now it might be our turn.” said coach Allegri.
The plan to defend the championship has received serious cracks in recent weeks. Inter has only won one match in Serie A since the beginning of February and gradually fell to third place. “It will be very important and I don’t think there is a better match that would give the surroundings such a strong signal. We have lost a lot of points now, even though the performances were good and we know that with aggressive play and determination we have to play a great match against an excellent opponent.” Simone Inzaghi let himself be heard. The Milan coach was satisfied with the performance of his charges in the past rounds, but the results achieved disappointed him.
Inzaghi still believes in Scudetto’s defense. “We have nine final matches ahead of us and we are starting against Juventus,” added coach Inter. If the Nerazzurri had not won in Turin and AC Milan had defeated Bologna, the difference between the two teams would have been nine points, with Inter still having one good match.
Mutual matches have a long history and Sunday’s duel has no favorites. Juventus will meet Inter for the third time this season and has not won yet, as Max Allegri mentioned at a press conference. Will Juventus win again after less than a year, or will Inter take three points?
As for absences, only one side is harmful. Juventus is still missing Federico Chiesa, whose injury quite possibly cost Italy to advance to the World Cup. Outside the game are also Weston McKennie, Kaio Jorge and the punished Luca Pellegrini. For Allegri, the return of Paul Dybala, who should take the place next to Dušan Vlahović in the offensive, is certainly good news.
In terms of absences, Inter will clearly have an advantage in this regard, as it will perform at Allianz Stadium in full force. Inzaghi had a national break to cure ailments, and he can use the strongest on Sunday.
Szczesny – Danilo, De Ligt, Chiellini, Alex Sandro – Cuadrado, Zakaria, Locatelli, Rabiot – Dybala, Vlahović
Handanovic – D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Bastoni – Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Perisic – Dzeko, Lautaro
