Bitter rivals lock horns at the San Siro on Saturday.
One of the deepest rivalries in Italian football is renewed this weekend, as Juventus travel to the San Siro on Saturday evening to take on Inter Milan.
The defending champions have begun the defence of their title in dominant fashion, however their opponents have seemingly dusted off the disappointment of last season and begun the Walter Mazzarri era impressively.
An opening weekend win was followed by an emphatic 3-0 victory against Catania before the international break, but most impressive has been the two clean sheets since the switch to a three-man defence.
The defensive line had been a real weakness for the Nerazzurri, but they appear well organised and balanced thus far and will pose a real threat to the visitors in the attacking third through the likes of the reinvigorated Ricky Alvarez and Rodrigo Palacio.
While Inter will look to their width through wing-backs Jonathan and Yuto Nagatomo as a real threat for Antonio Conte’s men, Juve will rely on their midfield trio to take control of the game and dominate possession.
Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal have continued their fine work from the previous two seasons, but following the injury sustained by Claudio Marchisio, it is his replacement Paul Pogba who has caught the eye.
Having scored for France in midweek, the French youngster will look to build on his impressive performances thus far for the Bianconeri, and he will play a vital role if the defending champions are to return to Turin with all three points.
Carlos Tevez has proved to be equally as decisive since his arrival this summer, and has slipped into Conte’s system with ease in the supporting striker role.
With Mirko Vucinic set to start on the bench after picking up an injury on international duty, Tevez will likely be paired with Fernando Llorente who has struggled to adapt in comparison.
Nevertheless, the spine of the Juventus team remains their biggest strength, and with so many individuals capable of making the difference they should be confident of silencing the San Siro.
However, Mazzarri has breathed new life into this Inter side, and it remains to be seen whether or not they have enough to pass their most difficult assignment yet.
COMMENTS