Renowned Italian tactician Marcelo Lippi holds high expectations for Inter and Juventus this season ahead of Sunday’s Derby d’Italia. Allianz Stadium is the venue as the eternal Serie A rivals go head-to-head in a mouth-watering top-table six-pointer.
Bereft of European competition, Juventus have pieced together an impressive start to the new campaign. Massimiliano Allegri’s water-tight defense has provided a backbone for Bianconeri’s outstanding run of nine wins from the first 12 games. Their determination to bounce back from a three-year struggle has impressed Lippi.
“I like Juventus’ great concreteness. They don’t have a spectacular playing form, but they are determined,” he said, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio. But he gave Inter the upper hand. “Inter play better and are very strong.“
Lippi expects Inter and Juventus to go toe-to-toe in the Scudetto race this term, with the former leading the chase heading into tonight’s derby.
“I expected Juventus and Inter to have a high-level season, but to tell the truth also the other teams. Instead, it seems that the others are slightly further behind. There may be some closeness, but I think these two will compete for the title,” Lippi continued.
Though the stakes will be high, the veteran coach believes fans will enjoy an exciting contest.
“We will have fun watching them against each other. Allegri has shown that he builds concrete teams, Inzaghi is demonstrating that he has the ability to manage this level of squad.“
Juventus might have a psychological advantage after winning both league meetings last season.
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