It’s that time of the season again. When the anticipation for something special lowers itself like a fine layer of mist over the Italian Peninsula. Tonight all eyes will be directed towards Milan and the mighty Giuseppe Meazza. For 90 minutes two of Italy’s powerhouses will go head to head for honor, pride, prestige—and three vital points.

It’s time for the ‘Derby d’Italia’—let the battle begin.

INTER MILAN

Rafael Benitez has begun to steady the ship after the initial struggling at the beginning of the campaign. Going into Week 6, the reigning champions were sitting atop the table with surprise package Chievo on 10 points each.

Last week, the Beneamata collected their first defeat of the season away to a AS Roma in crisis as Mirko Vucinic scored at the death to hand the Giallorossi all three points.

Benitez’s men quickly returned to winning ways in their midweek Champions League clash against German outfit Werder Bremen as Inter cruised to a 4-0 victory—despite a handful of injures—with Samuel Eto’o in red hot form delivering a stellar performance by bagging an impressive hattrick and creating the fourth.

The sweet taste of victory did, however, come with a few prices as Lucio was stretchered off and Julio Cesar substituted at the interval due to precautionary reasons.

Benitez will have to make do without the services of Marco Materazzi, Thiago Motta, and team captain Javier Zanetti while Diego Milito, Lucio, and Walter Samuel are fighting against the clock in order to participate in the prestigious derby.

Keep an eye on: Samuel Eto’o. The Cameroon has scored goals by the truckloads having been freed of his defensive shackles and according to the latest reports, Benitez is pondering whether or not to move the forward to his preferred central position.

JUVENTUS

It seemed Juventus had finally found their stride after the dismal start to the season with their 4-0 demolishing of Udinese, but that was hardly the case.

Nevertheless, the positive signs are starting to show. Juventus defeated Cagliari 4-2 in round five with Milos Krasic scoring a hattrick and followed up by holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in their midweek Europa League clash with the Citizens.

The Bianconeri are currently three points adrift the top spot and could join tonight’s opponents on 10 points in the case of a victory.

However, the statistics are hardly an encouraging read, reflecting the roller coaster that is Juventus at the moment. Not only does the Old Lady showcase the worst defensive record along with Roma and Udinese, but the side also boasts the Peninsula’s most lethal offense with 12 goals scored.

Gianluigi Buffon and Armand Traoré remain long-term absentees as Juventus continue their search for consistency and a higher position in the table.

Keep an eye on: Alessandro Del Piero. ‘Il Capitano’ loves those big occasions and would love to put one past his beloved Lady’s greatest rivals with one of those trademark freekicks.