Juventus vs Inter Milan: The Rivals Meet Again
This Sunday, the 20:45 CET kick-off at the Allianz Stadium will see Juventus welcome their fierce rivals, Inter Milan, in the 25th matchday of the Serie A season. The Derby d’Italia, as this high-stakes encounter is known, is more than just a game; it’s a clash of titans, a meeting that stirs the hearts of fans and encapsulates the rich history and passion of Italian football.
Head-to-Head: A Tale of Two Titans
The history between Juventus and Inter Milan is as storied as it is competitive. This will mark the 184th meeting between the two giants in Serie A, a series where the Bianconeri hold a significant advantage. Juventus has emerged victorious 87 times, while Inter has managed 49 wins, with 47 draws rounding out the statistics. Notably, Juventus has been the most successful team against Inter in Serie A history, a testament to their dominance. However, Inter has been on a recent upswing, remaining unbeaten in their last three matches against Juventus (1W, 2D). The last time Inter managed four consecutive matches without defeat against Juventus was between 2003 and 2005, with a record of 3W and 1D. After the thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg on 27 October last year, there’s a possibility that both teams could draw both Serie A fixtures for only the fourth time in history, following the 2001/02, 1994/95, and 1988/89 seasons. Juventus, however, remains the team against whom Inter has suffered the most defeats (87) and conceded the most goals (263) in Serie A.
Home Advantage: Juventus’ Fortress
The Allianz Stadium has been a fortress for Juventus in recent years, especially when hosting Inter Milan. In the 91 home matches played against Inter in Serie A, the Nerazzurri have lost 62 times (12W, 17D), marking the highest number of away defeats they have faced against any opponent in the league. Juventus has remained unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 home matches against Inter (7W, 3D), with Inter’s only win in that period coming on 3 April 2022, when Hakan Çalhanoglu scored from a penalty. Inter’s recent away form is a concern, having lost their last away league game 3-0 against Fiorentina. The last time they suffered two consecutive away defeats in Serie A was in February and March 2023, against Bologna and Spezia. Conversely, Juventus stands as the only team still undefeated in home games this season (5W, 7D) and the only team that has not lost any matches in Serie A after conceding the first goal.
Rising Stars: New Heroes for Old Rivals
The derby will also feature some of the league’s rising stars. Randal Kolo Muani, who has scored five goals in his first three Serie A appearances, is making waves. He is the first player to achieve this feat in the three-point-per-win era (since 1994/95). If he scores in his next match, he will join the ranks of Krzysztof Piatek, who netted in all of his first seven Serie A matches in the 2018/19 season. In the first leg against Inter, Kenan Yildiz (19 years and 176 days) became the youngest player to score at least two goals in a single match between the two teams in Serie A history. Dusan Vlahovic, another notable player, has scored twice in the last three meetings against Inter. Timothy Weah, the American forward who has found the net against both Inter and AC Milan this season, currently has five goals to his name in Serie A this campaign. Weah is on the verge of becoming the fourth non-European Bianconeri player to score in both single-season matches against Inter, following in the footsteps of Raimundo Orsi, Arturo Vidal, and Paulo Dybala.
Defensive Prowess: Goalkeepers and Defenders
The match will also highlight the defensive prowess of both teams. Michele Di Gregorio, Inter’s goalkeeper, is in fine form, having kept eight clean sheets this season, second only to Yann Sommer (11), Alex Meret (nine), and Mike Maignan (nine). On the defensive line, the players with the highest average number of touches per 90 minutes in the league this season are Alessandro Bastoni (95.4) and Pierre Kalulu (95.4) for Juventus, along with Hakan Calhanoglu (95.0) and Manuel Locatelli (87.5) for Inter. This statistic underscores the importance of ball control and tactical discipline in the battle for supremacy.
Inter’s Offensive Threat: Lautaro and Thuram
Inter’s offensive lineup is a force to be reckoned with, led by Lautaro Martínez. With nine goals this season, Martínez is on the brink of becoming the first foreign player in Inter’s history to score double figures in goals in six different Serie A seasons. He is currently tied with Stefano Nyers and Mauro Icardi, who each achieved this feat in five seasons. Marcus Thuram, another Inter forward, has been in exceptional form, scoring 13 league goals this season, which equals his highest season total to date. Prior to the first leg, the only previous meeting between Marcus and Khephren Thuram in all competitions was in a Coupe de la Ligue match between Guingamp and Monaco on 29 January 2019, where Marcus scored. Khephren has also been a menace, scoring in his recent appearances and adding depth to Inter’s attack.
Returns and Milestones: Francesco Acerbi’s Quest
Francesco Acerbi, a key player for Inter, is set to reach a significant milestone. He is just one match away from making 100 appearances across all competitions in an Inter shirt. Acerbi returned to the field against Fiorentina after a 79-day absence from Serie A, showing his resilience and importance to the team. His experience and defensive skills will be crucial in a match where both teams are known for their strong attacking prowess. As the two sides prepare for this weekend’s clash, the anticipation builds, with each player and fan aware of the significance of the Derby d’Italia.
