Our prediction for this Serie A match:
There will be fireworks when Juventus and Inter lock horns in the Serie A derby on Sunday evening. The Bianconeri are eyeing their sixth consecutive league win, but they face a tough challenge Derby d’Italia. Both Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli continue to miss out through suspension, while all Danilo, Alex Sandro, and Weston McKennie should recover in time to face the Nerazzurri. The likes of Fabio Miretti, Manuel Locatelli, Timothy Weah, and Mattia De Sciglio remain in the recovery room.
Simone Inzaghi’s men, on the other hand, recorded a routine 2-0 win over Frosinone before the international break. Hakan Calhanoglu faces race against the clock to be fit for the Serie A derby, while both Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard remain in the treatment room. Taking everything into account, the share of spoils is on the cards in Turin as Juve are tough to beat at their Allianz Stadium.
Highlighted Player (Hakan Calhanoglu):
Hakan Calhanoglu is another one in the long line of Turkish footballers who were born in Germany, so it is hardly surprising he came to prominence thanks to his performances in Bundesliga. The attacking midfielder with great vision and very good goalscoring record started his professional career at Karlsruher, scoring impressive 17 goals in 50 league outings to earn a move to Bundesliga side Hamburg.
The spell at Imtech Arena was merely a stepping stone for bigger things as 11 goals in his debut top flight campaign persuaded Bayer Leverkusen to splash nearly €15 million on his services. That proved a very good investment as Calhanoglu continued the rich vein of form, and it is now a matter of time before he joins one of European powerhouses.
The midfield maestro had a bright start to his career in the Turkey national team, scoring 5 goals in first 16 caps, and chances are he will become a leader for Milli Takim in the foreseeable future.
Highlighted Team (Juventus):
Juventus are considered one of the greatest European football clubs. The Bianconeri (The White and Blacks) have won two Champions League trophies (1985, 1996) and they did well to clinch three UEFA Cup titles (1977, 1990, 1993). The Italian giants have won 32 Serie A trophies and it is well known that a number of star players were part of Juve in the past.
The likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini, Lilian Thuram, Filippo Inzaghi, Pavel Nedved and David Trezeguet all played for Juventus, whilst legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has yet to retire. Juve were stripped two domestic trophies during the “Calciopoli” scandal, but despite being relegated to Serie B, the club quickly brought glory days back to Turin. The Bianconeri used to play their home games at Stadio delle Alpi, but nowadays they welcome their rivals at Juventus Stadium.
The capacity of the stadium is 41,475. La Vechhia Signora (The Old Lady) is yet another nickname of the club. Juve’s biggest rivals are Torino and the two local rivals take on each other in the Turin derby.