Serie A returns this weekend with defending champions Inter Milan hosting Juventus in the Derby d’Italia on Sunday.
Venue: San Siro
Key Statistics
Inter Milan have won two of their last five competitive games.
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 games.
They have the most goals in the league this season—23 goals.
Juventus are on an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
They have kept four consecutive clean sheets.
Edin Džeko has netted six times in his last seven outings for Inter Milan.
There were an average of 6.75 yellow cards per game shown across last season’s four competitive H2Hs.
Head to head
In the last head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Juventus holds the clear advantage. They have won six games (D3), while Inter Milan have recorded just one win.
Latest Performances in all competitions
Inter Milan: W-L-W-D-D
Juventus: W-W-W-W-W
Inter Milan
After a busy week in the Champions League, Inter Milan will turn their attention to their Serie A title defence this weekend.
The hosts picked up their first Champions League win on Tuesday when they beat Sheriff 3-1. Goals from Edin Dzeko, Arturo Vidal and Stefan de Vrij gave them the win and ensured that they remain in contention for qualification in the competition.
But in the league, the San Siro side have had a difficult start to the season and are heading into this game sitting in third place. They are already trailing Serie A leaders Napoli by seven points after eight matches, having won just five of their opening games (D2, L1).
However, they are unbeaten at home this term in the league (W2, D1) averaging five goals per match in those games.
Despite their form at home, Simone Inzaghi’s side would have to improve defensively if they are to go far this season as they have now conceded 11 times in the league this season—the most goals for teams in the top seven places.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Brazao is the only one absent for Inzaghi.
Possible Inter Milan starting line-ups
Samir Handanovic, Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni, Matteo Darmian, Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Federico Dimarco, Lautaro Martinez, Joaquin Correa
Juventus
After a poor start to the season, Juventus have gradually but steadily improved, to put themselves back into title contention.
The Old Lady beat Zenit Saint Petersburg 1-0 in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to extend their winning run to six in all competitions.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side have also cut down their defensive mishaps of the early season and have recorded four consecutive clean sheets in their last four games.
This season in the Serie A, they have picked up 14 points, leaving them in 7th place after eight games. Their aim is to keep collecting as many points as possible to keep their move to the top of the table.
With six wins from their last ten head-to-head meetings with their hosts, they will fancy their chances of picking up maximum points here.
Meanwhile, Allegri could be without Argentine forward Paulo Dybala and French midfielder Adrien Rabiot for this tie.
Possible Juventus starting line-ups
Wojciech Szczesny, Juan Cuadrado, Leonardo Bonucci, Matthijs de Ligt, Alex Sandro, Aaron Ramsey, Manuel Locatelli, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Bernandeschi, Alvaro Morata, Federico Chiesa.
Prediction
It is difficult to separate these two teams at this time, as both have enjoyed a mixed start to the season.
But judging by current form and momentum, Juventus have the edge and should be able to win this game.
