Juventus completed their first Serie A double over Inter since 2019/20. After a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture in Turin, Massimiliano Allegri’s side squeezed past their arch-rivals 1-0 in Sunday’s Derby d’Italia.
Inter started the game on the front foot as Nicolo Barella unleashed a thunderbolt from distance forcing a superb save from Wojciech Szczesny. But it was only a sign of things to come, with Simone Inzaghi’s side dominating early proceedings through and through.
However, Inter’s early dominance failed to pay dividends as Juventus gained a foothold in the match and started asserting themselves at Meazza.
Chances were hard to come by on either side, yet Juventus were the ones to benefit from a scrappy play. Filip Kostic received a delightful through ball and picked out the bottom corner with a devastating strike from mid-range in the 23rd minute to put Juventus in front.
But a lengthy VAR check over a potential handball in the build-up delayed the visitors’ celebration. It took the VAR room staff a few minutes to analyze the critical situation before giving the go-ahead.
Juventus dropped back by default in an attempt to defend a slender lead until halftime. Inter’s clueless first-half performance helped Allegri’s side protect their advantage almost effortlessly.
The second half started in the same uneventful fashion, with most of the action taking place in the middle of the park. Despite enjoying more of the ball, Inter couldn’t find a way to break down Juventus’ water-tight backline.
The Bianconeri tried to harm their hosts in transition, but a lack of the finishing touch often let them down. The closest they came to doubling the lead was Manuel Locatelli’s attempt from distance, but it barely drew a sweat from Andre Onana. To Juve’s credit, they did enough to prevent Inter from creating any clear-cut chance after the restart.
Unable to hurt Juventus from open play, Inzaghi’s team relied on set-pieces to try and find a coveted equalizer but to no avail. While Inter looked seemingly short of ideas, Juventus were dangerous on the counter. The hosts had Onana’s stunning reflexes for staying within a one-goal distance until the dying stages.
Onana’s heroics were in vein as Inter completed the second half with just one shot on target and without a single presentable scoring chance. And while they’ll have to fight tooth and nail to cling on to a Champions League spot, Juventus could build a strong case for a top-four finish despite a point deduction. Allegri’s men now trail fourth-placed Milan by seven points.
Juventus completed their first Serie A double over Inter since 2019/20. After a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture in Turin, Massimiliano Allegri’s side squeezed parst their arch-rivals 1-0 in Sunday’s Derby d’Italia.
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