In the Derby d’Italia, Juventus Turin beat Inter Milan. Kolo Muani made a spectacular assist for Francisco Conceicao’s decisive goal.
The Turin team had already won the first leg of the Champions League play-offs in Eindhoven (2-1) during the week, and had also won twice in the league before that. Coach Thiago Motta made four changes, starting Savona, Koopmeiners, Thuram and Francisco Conceicao instead of Kelly, Locatelli, Yildiz (all on the bench) and Douglas Luiz (not in the squad).
The visitors from Milan are already safely through to the last 16 in the premier league and recently won 2-1 against Florence in the league. With the top of the table within reach, coach Simone Inzaghi opted for Dumfries, Dimarco and Taremi instead of Darmian, Carlos Augusto and Thuram (all on the bench).
Summer thwarts Taremi’s overhead kick
The Derby d’Italia got off to a promising start when Gonzalez wasted a promising Juve chance after just three minutes. However, the engine stalled on both sides for a while, so further opportunities at the Allianz Stadium were few and far between.
The game finally picked up pace again with a double chance for the Nerazzurri, in which Taremi’s bicycle kick was saved by Sommer and Dumfries headed just over (19′). Inter goalkeeper Sommer had to make a save against Francisco Conceicao (22′) and was lucky that Kolo Muani shot just over after Pvard’s block (32′).
Dumfries offensive – No goals at half-time
The final phase of the first half finally belonged to the guests, who often created danger, especially through Dumfries. Lautaro was unable to convert a low cross from the Dutchman (35), and shortly before half-time the right-sided player hit the outside of the post himself (43).
Inter were unable to take the momentum from the first half into and out of the locker room, instead Renato Veiga tested Sommer shortly after the restart (48′). Further opportunities were then few and far between, but it was not to remain a goalless evening in Turin.
Outstanding assist from Kolo Muani
In the 74th minute, Kolo Muani took heart and, under great pressure, turned a pirouette on the edge of the penalty area. The Frenchman held his own, passed to Francisco Conceicao and, after his well-placed shot from the left, set up the 1-0 lead.
With the lead behind them, which the Old Lady had thoroughly earned, the Bianconeri maintained the pressure. In the 76th minute, Dumfries cleared the ball off the line to save Milan from conceding a second goal and a double.
Inter remains in second place
With the exception of isolated goal attempts on both sides, the not necessarily breathtaking but high-quality duel ended in a 1-0 victory for the hosts. While the Nerazzurri thus missed the chance to move to the top of the table, Juve climbed to fourth place.
The Old Lady is already challenged in the second leg of the Champions League play-offs in Eindhoven next Wednesday (9 p.m.), before the next game in the league at Cagliari Calcio is on Sunday (8:45 p.m.). Inter will host Genoa on Sunday.
