Inter Milan vs. Juventus: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi and Arturo Vidal of Juventus found the back of the net in quick succession in the final 17 minutes of a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia at the San Siro.

Icardi, who replaced Inter Milan midfielder Saphir Taider only moments earlier, turned a delicate Ricky Alvarez ball into goal at the near post after his teammate caused a turnover in the centre of the park in the 73rd minute.

Only two minutes later, however, Juventus were back on level terms after a swiveling Vidal caressed the ball past a helpless Samir Handanovic following an accurate pass from Kwadwo Asamoah on the left flank.

The draw means both sides have seven points from three rounds to begin the 2013-14 Serie A campaign and remain unbeaten going into the fourth matchday.

Juventus enjoyed the better start of the two, spreading the ball around to great effect during the first half and dominating possession.

Inter came back into the contest after the restart. While they struggled for openings, they got the feel of the ball and deserved their lead when Icardi beat Gianluigi Buffon.

The final exchanges were dominated by the guests, however, as Carlos Tevez saw a shot go off the woodwork before Fabio Quagliarella was denied from in close by Handanovic.

Key Player Grades

Ricky Alvarez: A-

It took a while for the Argentine to come into the match but he was one of the best players on the pitch in the second half. His assist on Icardo’s goal demonstrated his abilities on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball, and he completed the match with a passing accuracy of 87 per cent with six successful dribbles and four tackles to his name. (Statistics courtesy WhoScored.com)

Hugo Campagnaro: A

The feisty Inter defender had a terrific match, keeping the clever, opposition attackers at bay while playing a good first pass out of the defensive third. In the first half when bookings seemed to come easily he managed to keep his cool, and with 83 per cent of his aerial duels won his side were never in much danger on defensive set-pieces.

Arturo Vidal: A-

One of Europe’s best central midfielders, Vidal had a mostly average game until the 75th minute, when his off-balance shot beat Handanovic inside the far post. It was the sort of goal any centre-forward would be proud of, and while the Chilean’s passing numbers were unimpressive he came away with six successful tackles—many of them in the second half while Inter were pressing.

What’s Next?

Inter are away to promoted Sassuolo next weekend and host a very competitive Fiorentina side on September 26. Juventus, meanwhile, are off to Copenhagen to kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday and will host Hellas Verona on September 22.