What: Italian Serie A
Who: Inter vs Juventus
When: Saturday 29th October, 2011, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro), Milan, Italy
Two Steps Backwards
Just how Inter underwent a full transformation from being once again a “Grande Inter” under Jose Mourinho in 2010 to a selling club that finds points hard to come by is hard to fathom. But it is now time for the Nerazzurri to leave the Mourinho era behind; this weekend they have the chance to kickstart their season as they prepare to welcome bitter foes Juventus in Italy’s most anticipated and famous derby, the Derby d’Italia.
President Massimo Moratti could be forgiven for thinking that under the tutorship of Claudio Ranieri, a man with a penchant for helping out teams in need, his club would soon be back on the winners’ podium after less than happy times with Rafael Benitez, Leonardo and most recently Gian Piero Gasperini. With the former Chelsea coach in charge, the team did rediscover some of their form of old, only to fall against the likes of Napoli and Catania.
But it appears that for every step Inter take forward, they take two backwards, with the side’s most recent inconvenient result being a 1-1 draw against Atalanta; a match that could have ended on a sour note for the 2010 Champions League winners had German Denis slotted home a final minute penalty.
A growing injury list remains a troublesome factor for Ranieri, with the coach seeing the likes of Walter Samuel, Diego Forlan and possibly Julio Cesar missing this important game against Juventus. Eight points might separate the teams, but the impact on morale a win can have in these situations is often the most important thing.
No Better Time
Ask any Juventus fan which team they love to hate and the answer would be instantaneous and unanimous: Inter. Tensions have risen between the two sides since Juventus’ revoked Scudetto titles of 2005 and 2006 – one of which was awarded to Inter. With the Nerazzurri looking bruised and battered at the moment, now is the perfect for Juventus to strike.
There has been talk of the Bianconeri returning to winning ways in recent seasons, yet none has been more concrete and serious than in this current campaign. With 16 points from eight games, Juventus lead the Serie A table. And the Turin side’s form has been superb, boosting their chances of reclaiming the Italian crown.
A midweek win over Fiorentina lifted the team’s spirits after recent draws against Chievo and Genoa and will allow the best preparation for the Inter match, according to defender Leonardo Bonucci: “Obviously we’re all happy about the win, and the fact that it takes us to the top of the table. It allows us to prepare for Saturday’s game against Inter in the best possible way”, acknowledged the stopper.
A win over Inter at the San Siro would be the perfect warning to Napoli, who prepare to welcome the league leaders next weekend. Along with AC Milan, the southern Italian club look the only side realistically capable of challenging Juventus’ ambitions and dreams this season.
Recent form
Inter:
Lille 0-1 Inter
(18/10; Champions League)
Inter 1-0 Chievo (23/10; Serie A)
Atalanta 1-1 Juventus (26/10; Serie A)
Juventus:
Chievo 0-0 Juventus (16/10; Serie A)
Juventus 2-2 Genoa (22/10; Serie A)
Juventus 2-1 Fiorentina
(25/10; Serie A)
Key absences
Inter: Walter Samuel; Coutinho; Diego Forlan; Andrea Ranocchia; Andrea Poli; Emiliano Viviano; Julio Cesar (doubt)
Juventus: Gianluigi Buffon; Emanuele Giaccherini
Players to watch
Inter – Wesley Sneijder: Things would have been much, much worse at the San Siro had Wesley Sneijder opted to leave Inter for Manchester United in the summer. Intense speculation surrounded the Dutch playmaker before he decided to eventually stay put. If there is one man who can revive Claudio Ranieri’s side, it is Sneijder.
Juventus – Alessandro Matri: The striker is forming a good relationship with Marko Vucinic and scored the winner against Fiorentina in midweek. Big things are expected from the hitman at the Italian giants and he will be keen to continue his good form. A special showing against Inter would be perfect for Matri.
Match Prediction
With Inter enduring tough times of late it will be hard for the Nerazzurri to turn things around in an instant and earn a victory against Juventus, even at home. The visitors remain better equipped and in fine form; the Bianconeri will likely come away with the spoils in a 2-0 win.
This vital derby clash is sure to be hard fought, but who wins out of Inter and Juventus? Visit OLBG and check out the best prices, tips and other bettors’ opinion to help you place a winning bet.
