And Derby d'Italia it is! After days of fire and controversy (actually not entirely finished), Juventus and Inter are preparing to take the field for the most awaited match of the weekend (and beyond). A question of rivalry, but also of standings, because confrontation number 219 (the 186th in the league) between the bianconeri and the nerazzurri has once again become a direct clash for the title. Accounts in hand, it hasn't happened since 12 February 2006, when a punishment by Del Piero directed the game and the title, at least until the courts intervened. This is why the one between Juve and Inter will never again be a match like the others, if it ever was. Both are fine, both want to win. And we can't wait to enjoy this Derby d'Italia which, as everyone knows, will be directed by Tagliavento. Let's hope it's just one detail in a night of great football.
HERE JUVENTUS
The victory over Bologna did not soothe spirits much, as evidenced by the continuation of the black and white press silence. Even on this eve, in fact, Vinovo's microphones remained off, as if the damage in not letting any member speak affected only the journalists, and not the millions of Juventus fans, who were unable to hear the voice of their favorites. To tell the truth, we have many things to say, especially this time. In fact, the match promises to be hot and Juve must also take into account the Champions League, which on Wednesday will see them face Nordsjaelland. But nobody in Vinovo thinks about it, because Inter has always been the rival par excellence. The ranking situation certainly benefits Juve, who, being at +4, would be satisfied even with a draw. A victory, however, would be worth a real Scudetto escape, one more reason to try to win. Antonio Conte will confirm the ordinance 3-5-2 and the standard formation. In fact, apart from Pepe, all the others are available, including Marchisio, who will be back on the field after two games of absence. Chiellini will return in defense, who together with Bonucci and Barzagli make up the best backlog in Italy (only 5 goals conceded!). In short, there are few doubts, even up front, where Vucinic and Giovinco will be back together from the first minute.
HERE INTER
“I don't sign for equal”. From the parts of Appiano Gentile no press blackout, indeed! While showing respect for Juventus, Andrea Stramaccioni does not suffer from any awe: “No fear. Of course, our opponents are Italian champions and they are confirming their value: they are the best that Italian football has offered in the last two seasons. But I wouldn't sign for a draw: we're Inter and I've never entered the field so as not to win”. Also because his team flies, as evidenced by the 8 consecutive victories collected in the last period. “We're doing well and we're in a good moment – said the Nerazzurri coach. – They have something more consolidated and tested and for us it will be the most challenging step to evaluate our progress". In short, an exam which, if passed, would give an enormous boost in terms of enthusiasm. However, beating Juve is a rather complicated affair: no one (in the league) has succeeded in 49 games. What can be the right recipe? “I think the teams that put the black and whites in the most difficulty were Fiorentina and Shakhtar, but we don't have the full backs of the Ukrainians, nor the atypical strikers of the Viola. We are Inter and we will put them in difficulty in our own way”. Which translated means 3-5-2 (with Milito and Palacio in attack and Cassano ready to take over from the bench) and close marking on Pirlo.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco.
On the bench: Storari, Rubinho, Marrone, Lucio, Isla, Caceres, De Ceglie, Pogba, Giaccarini, Matri, Bendtner, Quagliarella.
Trainer: Antonio Conte (suspended, Angelo Alessio on the bench).
Unavailable: Pepe
Disqualified: nobody.
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Handanovic; Ranocchia, Samuel, Juan Jesus; Zanetti, Guarin, Gargano, Cambiasso, Nagatomo; Milito, Palacio.
On the bench: Castellazzi, Belec, Pereira, Silvestre, R. Alvarez, Mudingayi, Mbaye, Duncan, Cassano, Livaja.
Trainer: Andrea Stramaccioni.
Unavailable: Coutinho, Obi, Mariga, Sneijder, Chivu, Stankovic, Jonathan.
Disqualified: nobody.
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento (Terni).
Line Assistants: Priests-Marzaloni.
Port Assistants: Orsato – Banti.
Fourth official: Barberates.
