The Rivalry Reignites in Turin
On Sunday, February 16, all eyes will be on Turin as Juventus and Inter Milan face off in a fiercely contested Serie A match at the Allianz Stadium. This fixture is more than just a game; it’s a rivalry steeped in history and tradition, often referred to as the Derby d’Italia, or the Derby of Italy. Both teams have been performing well recently, with Inter Milan’s side, under the interim management of Thiago Motta, extending their winning streak to three games across all competitions. They secured a narrow 2-1 victory over PSV in the Champions League knockout playoff first leg, demonstrating their resilience and determination. Juventus, on the other hand, returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in Serie A, underlining their competitive spirit and tactical prowess.
How to Watch the Match in the U.S.
For American fans eager to catch this high-stakes encounter, here’s the essential information on how to watch the game:
- TV Channel: The match will not be available on live TV in the United States.
- Live Stream: Fans can stream the game on Paramount+, which is currently offering a 7-day free trial. This makes it an accessible option for those who want to experience the action without a long-term commitment.
The kick-off time for the match is 8:45 p.m. local time in Turin, Italy. Here’s how that translates across different U.S. time zones:
- Eastern Time: 2:45 p.m.
- Central Time: 1:45 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 12:45 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 11:45 a.m.
Juventus Lineup and Team News
Juventus are facing a significant challenge in their backline, with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Pierre Kalulu, Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Andrea Cambiaso are all out, leaving the team with a depleted defensive roster. Additionally, Lloyd Kelly and Douglas Luiz will miss this game, further straining their options. Despite these setbacks, Juventus has been resilient and tactical in recent matches.
Randal Kolo Muani, who has been a standout player since joining Juventus, is expected to start once again, likely in place of Dusan Vlahovic. Kolo Muani’s dynamic play and goal-scoring ability have been crucial for the team. Here’s the predicted starting lineup for Juventus:
- Formation: 4-1-4-1
- Lineup (right to left):
- Goalkeeper: Di Gregorio
- Defenders: Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Savona
- Midfielder: Locatelli
- Attackers: McKennie, MConceicao, Thuram, Mbangula
- Striker: Kolo Muani
Injured Players:
- Kalulu
- Bremer
- Cabal
- Cambiaso
- Kelly
- Luiz
Suspended Players: None
Inter Milan Lineup and Team News
Inter Milan could also be dealing with a significant loss if their top scorer, Marcus Thuram, is unable to play due to an ankle injury. This would be a considerable blow to their attacking prowess, but the team has depth and talent to cover the gap. If Thuram is ruled out, Marko Arnautovic or Mehdi Taremi could step in and provide the firepower needed to challenge Juventus.
Denzel Dumfries, who served his suspension in the last game, is expected to return to his role as Inter Milan’s right wingback, replacing Matteo Darmian. Dumfries’ presence in the lineup will add stability and offensive threat to the right flank. Here’s the predicted starting lineup for Inter Milan:
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Lineup (right to left):
- Goalkeeper: Sommer
- Defenders: Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni
- Midfielders: Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco
- Strikers: Thuram (if fit), Martinez
Injured Players:
- Thuram (doubt)
Suspended Players: None
Match Prediction
Inter Milan have been unbeaten in their last three matches against Juventus, a record that speaks to their current form and tactical edge. However, Juventus have only lost once in 11 home league games against Inter Milan, highlighting their dominance at the Allianz Stadium. Both teams are in excellent form and possess two of the best defenses in the league, second only to league leaders Napoli.
The reverse fixture this season was a high-scoring 4-4 thriller, but given the robust defenses and the importance of this match, a more cautious and tightly contested game is expected. The intensity and tactical battles will likely result in a goalless draw, preserving the balance of power and leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next encounter.
Serie A Fixture Schedule for the Week
As part of the broader Serie A schedule, several other high-profile matches will take place in the coming days, providing plenty of football action for fans:
- Friday, February 14: Bologna vs. Torino (2:45 p.m. ET)
- Saturday, February 15:
- Atalanta vs. Cagliari (9:00 a.m. ET)
- Lazio vs. Napoli (12:00 p.m. ET)
- AC Milan vs. Hellas Verona (2:45 p.m. ET)
- Sunday, February 16:
- Fiorentina vs. Como (6:30 a.m. ET)
- Udinese vs. Empoli (9:00 a.m. ET)
- Monza vs. Lecce (9:00 a.m. ET)
- Parma vs. AS Roma (12:00 p.m. ET)
- Juventus vs. Inter Milan (2:45 p.m. ET)
- Monday, February 17: Genoa vs. Venezia (2:45 p.m. ET)
Each of these matches promises to deliver its own unique brand of excitement and drama, contributing to the rich tapestry of Serie A. However, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the Juventus vs. Inter Milan clash, a game that has the potential to shape the league’s dynamics and leave a lasting impact on the season.
