"Ranking doesn't matter." The concept, launched by Massimiliano Allegri and endorsed by Roberto Mancini, presents the match between Juventus and Inter in the best possible way (at 20.45). Derby d'Italia number 228 (the 193rd in the league) goes far beyond the strict technical-tactical logic, which would see the black and whites as big favourites. Sure, the 10 points difference between the two teams are all there and certainly can't go unnoticed, but football teaches that, in games like these, other factors also come into play. “With Inter it's always a match in itself, the standings don't count – confirmed Allegri in the press conference. – It will be a difficult challenge, they are very physical and even if they went through a period of decline they certainly haven't lost the qualities they had at the start of the season. We want to win again, the 3 points would be very important in the race for the title".
“Juve is the strongest team in Italy but we are not that far apart after all – thought Mancini. – It will be difficult for us but the same goes for them, we're going to Turin to get a positive result. It's an important match but not decisive, there are still too many days left at the end of the championship”. On paper, as previously mentioned, the Bianconeri are the favorites to start. The draw against Bayern demonstrated, if it were still needed, all the technical and mental strength of this team, now determined to dive back into the championship after the small (however irrelevant) stop in Bologna. Inter on the other hand, despite the victory over Sampdoria, arrives at the Stadium still convalescing but with the absolute need to score points: the successes of Rome and Milan do not allow for missteps. Opposite scenario compared to the first leg, when the nerazzurri commanded the standings and the bianconeri seemed lost in their own problems. Well, if you look closely, that 0-0 draw was the first step for Juventus' rebirth, as Buffon or Allegri himself has mentioned several times.
“At the time we were in trouble and they were traveling at a thousand – explained the coach. – That evening we showed that we had the right qualities to go back to the top”. “It was a good match, very balanced – commented Mancini. – Unfortunately we then lost points where we didn't think we would but we are still in the running for our goal. If we play as a team we will be able to achieve results”. The two coaches will send the best possible formations onto the field, obviously net of injuries and suspensions. Allegri will replace the injured Marchisio with Hernanes, otherwise he will return to a 3-5-2 with Buffon in goal, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini in defence, Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Pogba and Alex Sandro in midfield, Mandzukic and Dybala in attack. Mancini will not be able to count on the disqualified Brozovic but will have Kondogbia, available again after the discount from the sports judge. The feeling is that the coach wants to play against Juve, which is why an unprecedented 3-5-2 could be seen at the Stadium with Handanovic in goal, Murillo, Miranda and Juan Jesus in defence, D'Ambrosio, Felipe Melo, Medel, Kondogbia and Telles in midfield, Icardi and Palacio (favorite over Eder) in attack.
This evening the first act of an infinite Derby d'Italia will take place: Juventus and Inter, in fact, will meet again next Wednesday (at the San Siro) for the return semi-final of the Coppa Italia. A challenge already widely addressed after the Juventus 3-0 in the first leg, quite the opposite of this one, in the balance and open to any scenario.
