The Derby D'Italia promises an interesting match with both teams desperately needing a win as Juventus travel to face Inter Milan.
Recent form
Inter had a surprising start to the season, winning their first five games, something they hadn’t done in years. But in the past two games the team seemed to be back to the usual self of the past couple of years. A crushing defeat against Fiorentina, which resulted in Roberto Mancini's men surrendering first place to La Viola, and just a draw against Sampdoria seem to have brought them back to reality.
Juventus’ case was the other way around. They started very poorly, and although they still aren't looking as convincing as they have been in recent years, they are certainly starting to improve.
The main issue is the team not being able to replicate their Champions League form in Serie A, which seems ironic given it was exactly the opposite a couple of years ago under Antonio Conte; In 2013-2014 Juventus set a record for most points in the top European leagues (102) but lost in the first round of the Champions League, winning only one game in a group that included Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
Key players
Tables have obviously turned this season, but Juventus seems to be slowly going back to form. It was expected that the team would struggle due to significant changes in the starting eleven. The departed Carlos Tévez and Arturo Vidal were pivotal figures, and although Andrea Pirlo was hardly making the impact he had a few years ago, a player of his calibre and experience was still an important figure in the dressing room.
The new signings seems to have blended in well though, and will slowly make forget the aforementioned players. Juan Cuadrado has been undoubtedly Juventus’ finest player this season; his dazzling runs and crosses have been crucial in the Bianconeri’s attack and one can’t help but wonder if Chelsea made a huge mistake loaning him, given their own struggles this season.
Paulo Dybala also seems to be making a big impact, and is forming an interesting partnership with Álvaro Morata. The most surprising one though, has to be Mario Lemina. He was a relatively unknown player and his transfer went somewhat under the radar, but has shown a tremendous level of performance, making himself a very important figure in midfield with the absences of Claudio Marchisio and Samuel Khedira.
The Gabonese international has showed grit and determination but not is lacking at all in the offensive aspect of the game and has relegated Stefano Sturaro in Massimiliano Allegri’s consideration. Khedira missed the first games of the season but in his return completely changed Juventus’ midfield, with a Man of the Match performance against Sevilla in the Champions League.
Inter were very active in the market, both selling - Mateo Kovacic, Xherdan Shaqiri - and buying - Martín Montoya, Stevan Jovetic, Ivan Perisic, Geoffrey Kondogbia - but it is thanks to the players that already were in the squad mainly that they’re enjoying a renaissance this season.
Mauro Icardi is showing that despite some questionable attitudes outside the pitch, he is definitely one of the most promising strikers in Europe. The Capo Cannonieri has picked up where he left off last season and his performances are keeping the Neriazzurri in the top places despite being less prolific than last season in front of goal.
Gary Medel and Fredy Guarín have also showed a great understanding and have put on some great performances in midfield for the Milanese with the Chilean also showing his versatility playing in left-back when required. Amongst the signings, Jovetic has performed well when fit, but the injury concerns that haunted him in recent years have returned.
A crucial game for both sides
This match may be a turning point for both. An Inter win will widen the gap with Juventus, and will also put pressure on Fiorentina. Mentally it would give the team the confidence they need back after struggling in their last two games, but a defeat would mean getting only one point of the last nine and it would have the exact inverse impact on the team’s morale.
For Juventus it would mean a third successive victory and it would be sending a strong message to the rest of Serie A that the Champions are back. A defeat would leave the team far away from the top spots, and with a huge mountain to climb, even if the season is still very young.
Words from the coaches
Juventus boss Allegri seems to disagree, however, downplaying the occasion as "not a knockout game" and not "decisive for the Scudetto race". However, he admitted that the derby remains "a fantastic game to play in", but piled the pressure on his opponents but claiming that as things stand, Inter are title favourites.
Mancini, on the other hand, maintained that Juve remain "the best team in Italy" despite "a slow start", and noted that a victory over the Champions would give Inter's season "direction".