The highly anticipated Derby d’Italia is upon us, as Juventus travels to San Siro to face off against Inter Milan in a pivotal Serie A clash. Following a period of decline, Juventus is eager to reclaim its dominance, having secured only two wins from six matches against Inter in the league. However, the Turin club remains unbeaten this season, a feat they last achieved after eight rounds in 2019 when they went on to win the Scudetto.

Coach Thiago Motta has been instrumental in revitalizing Juventus, transforming the squad’s dynamics and instilling a newfound sense of confidence. Under his leadership, Juventus has taken seven points from nine available away games, breaking an eight-game winless streak on the road. Notably, they are the only team across Europe’s top five leagues yet to concede a goal on their travels. This impressive defensive record has yielded just one league goal, positioning Juventus as strong contenders for the 2024-25 title alongside Milan clubs and Napoli.Juventus’s recent 1-0 victory over 10-man Lazio propelled them to the top of Serie A, until Napoli reclaimed the lead. However, Motta’s unbeaten run ended with a 1-0 home loss to Stuttgart in the Champions League. Despite this setback, he’s eager to face Inter and coach Simone Inzaghi. Inter will welcome back Federico Dimarco, Lautaro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram to the starting lineup, alongside Alessandro Bastoni. Carlos Augusto’s injury opens the door for Dimarco’s return. Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi remain sidelined, while Kristjan Asllani and Piotr Zielinski have recovered and will likely be benched.

On the other hand, Juventus may miss Douglas Luiz due to a thigh issue, while Teun Koopmeiners and Nico Gonzalez remain out. Michele Di Gregorio returns as goalkeeper, and the attacking trio of Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao, and Dusan Vlahovic is expected to continue. Vlahovic and Thuram lead Serie A’s goal-scoring chart with 15 and 13 goals, respectively. However, Vlahovic has yet to score at San Siro in seven league appearances, a statistic he’ll be eager to change.The two strikers will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match, and their battle will be an intriguing subplot. The Derby d’Italia pits trophy-winning experience against youthful ambition. Inter boasts the highest average age in Serie A (29 years, 255 days), while Juventus has the second-lowest average age, over five years younger. This contrast in styles will add an extra layer of complexity to the match.Given both teams’ defensive prowess, a scoreless draw is a possibility. Juventus’s ability to maintain clean sheets is deeply ingrained, making this match a thrilling test of tactics and determination. Inter’s experienced backline will look to nullify Juventus’s attacking threats, while Motta’s side will seek to exploit any weaknesses in the Inter defense.

The outcome of this match will have significant implications for the Serie A title race. A win for Juventus would propel them back to the top of the table, while a victory for Inter would keep them in contention. Napoli, meanwhile, will be watching closely, knowing that a slip-up from either side could open the door for them.As the two Italian giants clash at San Siro, the stage is set for an intense, tactical battle. The match promises to be a clash of styles, with Juventus’s high-pressing game facing off against Inter’s more experienced and calculated approach. The youthful energy of Juventus will look to outmaneuver Inter’s seasoned veterans. The Derby d’Italia is more than just a match; it’s a defining moment in the Serie A season. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. Will Juventus’s youthful energy and defensive solidity prevail, or will Inter’s experience and guile prove decisive? The answer will be revealed on the pitch.

With the entire football world watching, these two giants of Italian football will give it their all. Every tackle, every pass, and every shot will be scrutinized. The pressure is on, and the stage is set for an unmissable encounter.

Best Tip: Inter win or draw

Correct score: 3:1