Two quick counter-attacks saw Juventus draw 1-1 with Inter Milan in the first half of the Derby d’Italia. This kept the Nerazzurri two points ahead of the Old Lady at the top of Serie A.
The Derby d’Italia in its latest edition was a real top match on this 13th matchday of Serie A after a long time. Both league leaders Inter and the Old Lady, lurking two points behind them, had impressed with winning streaks in the previous weeks – and so the top of the table was at stake on Sunday evening in Turin.
Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri surprised everyone with the 23-year-old Caviglia, who replaced Locatelli in the 2:1 win over Cagliari Calcio. Rabiot and Vlahovic also started in place of Miretti and Kean. Inter, meanwhile, only made one substitution after the 2-0 win over Frosinone: De Vrij came in for the injured Bastoni
The game was characterized by long periods of possession, in which the respective defenses worked compactly against the ball and allowed very little. Milan opened up the only gap in the opening phase: However, after a long throw-in and pass from Rabiot, Chiesa missed from 15 meters (15th).
Vlahovic sets up his own opening goal
However, things got really dangerous when the ball went forward at speed. That’s what happened when Torino took the lead. It was Vlahovic who initiated his own opening goal by winning the ball in midfield. The ball then went back through Chiesa on the left to the Serbian in the center, who gave Inter keeper Sommer no chance with a low shot from 15 metres (27′).
Juventus, who had conceded just one goal in their previous seven games, were now able to rely on their strong defense, but were caught off guard on one occasion. A quick break down the right-hand side, where Thuram found his strike partner Lautaro Martinez in the center, who in turn slotted home with ease, provided the quick answer (33′). After that, the pace was lost again, the ball mostly circulated through the defensive ranks and chances were few and far between. The score was therefore 1:1 at half-time.
There were no great fireworks in the second half either. Thuram did get a shot away from a promising position, but did not hit the ball properly and was unable to present Szczesny with a real challenge (50′).
Tough second half – whistles for Cuadrado
In the end, it was just a top-of-the-table game without any real chances. While both attacking lines did not get much into the game, the respective defenses were at least able to distinguish themselves. Cuadrado’s substitution caused a stir, as he was greeted with loud whistles from his former club Juve (he joined champions FC Internazionale on a free transfer after his contract expired in the summer) – and could only smile about it himself. The Colombian still showed some athleticism on the right, but he too was unable to create any real danger
The result was a deserved 1-1 draw, leaving the situation at the top unchanged, with Inter still two points ahead of Juve at the top of Serie A. The Nerazzurri now have to face Benfica Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday (9pm) before traveling to Napoli in the league on Sunday (8.45pm). Juventus Turin visit Monza on Friday (8.45pm)