Italy Round 23

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Inter vs Juventus Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Inter:
Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez

Juventus:
Szczesny; Gatti, Bremer, Danilo; Cambiaso, McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Yildiz, Vlahovic

First placed Inter Milan will welcome second Juventus to Stadio Meazza in another Derby d'Italia, or "Derby of Italy" in English. The term was coined in 1967 by the Italian sports journalist Gianni Brera. It should be the equivalent of Spain's El Clasico, even it isn't as there are more big derbies in Italy. However, Inter and Juventus are from the two biggest cities in Northern Italy and have fans across Italy, but also abroad. What is unique, that's the situation from 1998. Juventus won the derby 1:0 and secured the Scudetto, but there were some wrong referee's decisions. That caused heated arguments in the Italian parliament during a publicly broadcast "question time" session in April 1998. Domenico Gramazio of the National Alliance reportedly shouted "They are all thieves!" at fellow politician and former Juventus player Massimo Mauro of the ruling Democrats of the Left.

Inter are first with 54 points, one more than Juventus. The actual form is good, they have seven victories and one draw on the last eight matches in Serie A. Inter also won the Super Cup played in Saudi Arabia, beating Napoli in the final. It was their third consecutive Supercoppa trophy. The atmosphere in the squad is excellent, while the players confidence is very high. Last weekend they beat Fiorentina 1:0 in Florence. The Nerazzurri have found the net in all of their 21 top-flight fixtures this season. Coach Simone Inzaghi is doing a great job and the fans love him. He has almost all players available, only ex-Juve winger Juan Cuadrado will be sidelined due to injury. On the positive side, both Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu are back in action following suspension.

Juventus are in good form, they have five victories in the last six games in Serie A. Last weekend they had the easiest opponents in Empoli, but dropped two points playing an 1:1 draw. There is a reason for the draw, Milik's early red card. Alegri will start with in-form Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, despite the fact he has failed to score in seven previous games against both Milan clubs at San Siro. However, this is an ideal opportunity for goal as he looks unstoppable at the moment . Vlahovic has scored five goals in his last three outings. Milik will miss out due to a suspension. Juventus signed Carlos Alcaraz on loan from Southampton, but the Argentinian midfielder with "tennis name" should start on the bench. Adrien Rabiot is rated as doubtful due to a calf problem, while Federico Chiesa is in similar position with a muscular issue. Moise Kean will not be involved after a switch to Atletico Madrid wasn't realized when he failed a medical.

Inter vs Juventus Prediction:

Allegri is looking to become the first coach to reach the milestone of 1000 points in Serie A. A victory here would take him over the line, while Juventus will climb on the top of the table. But it is easier to say. Inter look very strong this season and I think they are closer to the victory.

Inter vs Juventus Pick: Inter to win @ 1.85 with Pinnacle