Juventus vs. Inter Milan: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game
Clashes between Juventus and Inter have always been keenly felt, with the tie dubbed “The Derby of Italy” by the great Gianni Brera. The famous journalist gave that label to their meetings back in the 1960’s when the pair were Italy’s most successful clubs.
While the rise of Milan may have quashed that particular aspect, there is no doubting that a series of controversial meetings over the last two decades have infused the match up with plenty of vitriol. Add in the Calciopoli scandal, which saw the Bianconeri relegated and their rivals handed the 2006 league title, and it is no surprise to see the fixture as one of Serie A’s most eagerly awaited.
Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci—a product of the Nerazzurri youth sector—discussed the importance of the game with the club’s in-house TV channel, telling them (h/t Football Italia):
"We must start again strong, and the upcoming Derby d'Italia inspires great feelings in the tifosi – but we feel it even more strongly, because we must continue the positive streak that made us the League's protagonists of the last few years.
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Adding that a win was essential for the Bianconeri to “keep our distance from Roma,” it is clear Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping for three points when the sides meet at Juventus Stadium. Over the following pages is a look at the key issues and decisions that could decide the result on Tuesday evening.
How Will the Super Cup Defeat Affect Juventus?
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One major factor in this match could be the impact of the Super Cup defeat on Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri losing for only the fourth time since taking charge of the club. The coach is convinced that loss to Napoli—reviewed here—will not derail their season and insists he is happy with the progress his side is making.
“Saying that everything's going smoothly would be presumptuous, but we're on the right path,” Allegri told La Stampa (h/t Football Italia) last week. “The Supercup [lost to Napoli] does not spoil five months of work, though I'm regretful about the way it went.”
Ensuring Juventus bounce back with victory over Inter would be a huge boost to their confidence, particularly with Sunday’s rematch against Napoli looming.
Will Gigi Buffon’s Incredible Form Continue?
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With Juventus top of Serie A, it is no surprise to see them once again boasting the league’s best defensive record. The Bianconeri have conceded just seven times in the first 16 matches, a mark some four goals better than that of second-placed Roma.
The form of Gigi Buffon has been vital to that, statistics from Fox Soccer showing the Juve captain has kept a league-high 10 clean sheets in 15 appearances. With three further shutouts in the Champions League, the 36-year-old is clearly enjoying a fine season with the Old Lady.
Furthermore, WhoScored.com shows Buffon also boasts the highest save success rate in Europe’s top five leagues, stopping 79.8 percent of the shots he has faced. Finding a way past him will be a difficult task, although the Inter attack could be bolstered by the arrival of new signing Lukas Podolski.
Can Roberto Mancini Improve His Poor Record?
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While he will look back fondly on his last meeting with the Bianconeri, Roberto Mancini’s record against Juventus is remarkably poor. Despite steering Galatasaray to the victory which ultimately eliminated the Turin giants from last season’s Champions League, the coach has won just once against them in eight meetings with Inter.
Overcoming that will be central to his side’s performance at Juventus Stadium, and the form of the Nerazzrri will hardly improve their hopes. Indeed, since the 50-year-old returned to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the team have fallen to 11th place in Serie A and have won just once in his five games at the helm.
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