Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-01 15:27:56
The title credentials of Inter Milan and Juventus will be put to the test in a highly-anticipated Serie A showdown at the San Siro on Sunday. With Inter holding a one-point lead and a game in hand, the match is expected to be a defining moment in their season, as they look to solidify their position as the best team in Italy. The “Derby of Italy” is set to draw a massive crowd of over 70,000 fans, adding to the intensity of the clash.
Under the leadership of Simone Inzaghi, Inter has been the most dominant team in the Serie A this season, displaying the best attack and best defense in the league. Having collected 54 points from 21 matches, they are just two points shy of the number reigning champions Napoli had at the same stage last season before ultimately clinching the Scudetto. In recognition of their hard work, Inzaghi rewarded his players with two days off following their recent 1-0 win against Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, Juventus has proven to be a formidable opponent, showing resilience and the ability to secure results regardless of their performance. Massimiliano Allegri’s side remains unbeaten since September, but they were held by lowly Empoli last weekend, and have not faced a team in the top half of Serie A since the beginning of the year. However, they are bolstered by the hot scoring form of Dusan Vlahovic and the return of key players such as Adrien Rabiot and Federico Chiesa.
As the two sides prepare to face off, Inzaghi will have the advantage of a nearly full squad to choose from, with only former Juve wing-back Juan Cuadrado unavailable for selection. Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella will also return from suspension, providing a significant boost to the team. A win for Inter would give them a four-point advantage, providing some cushion as they face tough upcoming fixtures.
The match between Inter and Juventus is not the only significant fixture in Serie A this weekend. Atalanta will be defending their spot in the top four as they host Lazio, with a number of clubs vying for Champions League football. Lazio sits seventh, only two points behind Atalanta, while Roma is trailing just one point behind. This weekend’s fixtures will play a crucial role in the race for European football qualification.
One player to keep an eye on in the Inter vs. Juventus clash is Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey captain has been a standout performer for Inter this season, with 11 goals and three assists to his name. His return from suspension will be pivotal for Inter as they look to assert their dominance over Juventus.
Overall, the Serie A showdown between Inter and Juventus is poised to have a major impact on the title race, and it promises to be an intense and closely contested match. With both teams vying for the top spot, the result of this highly anticipated match will likely have a significant impact on the remainder of the Serie A season.
