Inter Milan and Juventus played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in the derby d’Italia on Sunday. Paulo Dybala scored from the spot to snatch a draw for the visitors after Edin Dzeko had put the hosts ahead early in the game.
With leaders Napoli dropping points against AS Roma early in the game, Inter Milan had the opportunity to reduce the gap at the top to four points. But they could not capitalise on their home advantage, and in the end, had to settle for a point.
The game started at a frantic pace, as both teams came out flying and threatened to take control of the game early.
Juventus were the first to go close in the seventh minute when Alex Sandro missed from close range after Samir Handanovič had failed to gather Álvaro Morata’s fierce shot.
But ten minutes after the visitors’ attempt, Inter Milan took the lead through a simple finish by Edin Dzeko, who scored after Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s deflected thunderbolt off the woodwork had fallen at his feet in the box.
After falling behind that early, Juventus tried to get back in the game but were hampered by the premature departure of Federico Bernardeschi because of a shoulder injury. By the end of the first half, long-range efforts from Dejan Kulusevski and Juan Cuadrado were the closest the visitors came to equalising.
After the break, both teams continued to toil to produce any moment of magic to win the game.
Massimiliano Allegri in an attempt to bring some life into the game brought in Dybala and Federico Chiesa in the 65th minute.
Their substitutions helped the visitors regain a measure of control over the game and eventually helped them snatch an equaliser through Dybala from the penalty spot in the 88tj minute. The penalty was awarded to Juve after Denzel Dumfries had caught Alex Sandro just inside the box, leaving Dybala with no choice but to convert his 18th penalty in the last 20 he had played.
The result means that the ‘Bianconeri’ are still 10 points behind Serie A leaders Napoli while Inter are in third place, six points behind the leaders.
Dybala’s impressive record against Inter Milan
Just when Inter Milan thought they were going home with all three points, Dybala spoilt the party.
The Argentine’s introduction in the second half completely changed the game and handed the initiative to Juve who began to play with some purpose and vision when he and Chiesa were introduced.
It was fitting that when the visitors needed a win he was the one who stepped up to score. The goal was his third in three consecutive games against Inter, making him the first Juve player to do so since the 1994/95 season.
Juventus extend unbeaten run
The win also means that Juventus extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games.
The Old Lady once were a laughing stock in Italy this season, following a poor start to the season and the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. But with patience and dedication, they have turned around their season and have now gone nine games without tasting defeat in all competitions.
They may still be ten points behind Napoli, but they surely are once again a force to reckon with.
VAR drama and missed opportunity for Inter Milan
Inter Milan would feel hard done by the way they drew this game. The San Siro side were in control of the game for much of the game and allowed their visitors few chances in the game. But in the end, a defensive error undid all their hard work.
They will hope to bounce back against Empoli in midweek.
