It is time for the much awaited Derby d'Italia as Juventus and Inter Milan lock horns tonight at Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy. There is a huge gap of 11 points between the table toppers Juventus and third ranked Inter Milan but still Inter Milan are one of nearest challengers to Juventus. The addition of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus has been a huge boost as they have only dropped 2 points this season in Serie A. Juventus have dominated Inter Milan in the recent past as Inter have just won twice in the last 13 fixtures. This time the result won't b any different given the form of Juventus until Inter come up with something extraordinary.
JUVENTUS
Juventus have been very successful against Inter and that success rate has only grown to great heights recently. The trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala have scored at least one goal in the last 14 fixtures. They have only lost to Manchester United this season but they haven't looked back since then as they have won four straight games after that. Every player has contributed which is the secret behind the success of Juventus this season.The midfield trio of Blaise Matuidi, Bentancur and Miralem Pjanic have been excellent throughout the season.
The trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala have been their stars and without a doubt they will be the most crucial players in this encounter. The Portuguese has scored 11 times for Juventus and assisted 7 times this season. You simply cannot keep this beast out of the game. Mario Mandzukic has scored 7 times and assisted twice. He was a star of the World Cup for Croatia and he is a star for Juventus as well. The Argentine striker is a tremendous performer and he seems to be in his groove now.
Emre Can might return to the bench as he participated in the trainings after being out for 6 weeks due to injury. Alex Sandro missed the last match but is expected to return to the squad.
INTER MILAN
Inter Milan have just won one of the last five matches they have played recently. They looked to be flying high as they won nine games out of ten prior to this recent bad run. They have looked good in patches drawing 1-1 against Barcelona in the Champions League and winning at home 3-0 against Frosinone but then they lost to Spurs 1-0 in the Champions League. They will have to play their best game if they want to make any impact tonight.
They have players who can make huge impacts against any opposition, some of them include Ivan Perisic, Mauro Icardi and Kieta Balde. Ivan Perisic has scored twice and also assisted two goals this season. He is an excellent player at the front and Inter will be hoping that he scores tonight. Icardi is their leading goal scorer with 11 goals this season and he remains to be one of the key players for this encounter. Balde on the other hand has scored thrice in the last two matches.
Sime Vrsaljko is facing fitness issues and he might be forced to sit on the bench again. Henrique may also be out due to injury in the leg while Nainggolan is also expected to miss this big match against Juventus.
RECENT BATTLES
Apr 28 2018: Inter Milan 2-3 Juventus
Dec 09 2017: Juventus 0-0 Inter Milan
Feb 05 2017: Juventus 1-0 Inter Milan
PREDICTION
Inter Milan are a very good team on paper but Juventus are beasts. It won't be easy for Inter to even manage a goal as Juventus have a mighty defense with four clean sheets in the last four games. Juventus have looked excellent throughout the season and this time it won't be any different. I am therefore predicting a score of either 2-0 or 3-1 in favour of Juventus. Let me know your thoughts and predictions in the comments section.
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