Stadio Olimpico forms the backdrop for the 259th edition of the famed Derby d’Italia as Juventus and Inter meet in a mouth-watering Coppa Italia showpiece. Arch-rivals are ready to write the latest chapter of a long-standing rivalry saga spanning back to 1909, with the Bianconeri looking to avoid a trophyless season.
It’s been a thoroughly disappointing season for Massimiliano Allegri and his side. In addition to another premature Champions League exit, Juventus have never truly been in the Scudetto frame. The Turin heavyweights will have to settle for an underwhelming fourth-place finish for the second season running.
While Juventus will be keen to avenge a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in the Supercoppa Italia final in January, Inter are aiming for their first domestic double in over a year. Simone Inzaghi’s men head into the penultimate round of Serie A fixtures sitting two points adrift of table-topping Milan, meaning the Scudetto race is out of their hands.
Juventus would normally have the upper hand over every domestic opposition in these high-octane contests, yet it is no longer the case, as evidenced by their sub-par record in high-profile fixtures this season. Ex-Juve boss Marcelo Lippi has delivered his verdict on the upcoming grand final, as we take a look at the preview.
Match Preview
Juventus
Juventus go into this fixture off the back of a controversial 2-1 defeat at relegation-battling Genoa. But Allegri’s team will have to shrug off the disappointment as they are arguably under greater pressure between the two finalists.
With this remaining Juventus’ solitary chance of wrapping up silverware this season, the record-time Italian champions will turn to their rich Coppa Italia record for inspiration. The Bianconeri have qualified for a record-extending 21st Coppa Italia showpiece, while they also boast more titles in the competition (14) than any other side.
On top of that, Juventus have come out victorious in both previous Coppa Italia finals against Inter. Yet, their last such match-up dates back to 1965, while they are winless in all three competitive meetings with arch nemesis this term (D1, L2).
Inter
There is a piece of history up for grabs here, as Inter could make it three consecutive H2H wins over Juventus across a single campaign for the first time. That alone should be enough to remove the distraction of the Scudetto race, let alone Inter’s craving desire to win the Coppa Italia for the first time in over a decade.
Inzaghi’s men have reached the showpiece event for the first time since their triumphant 2010/11 season. But from a historical point of view, Inter lament an indifferent record in the Coppa Italia finals, having won seven of their 13 previous appearances in the title deciders.
Inter will show up in a confident mood after racking up seven wins from their last eight outings. Only last weekend, the Nerazzurri picked themselves up from a 2-0 down to dispatch Empoli 4-2 at home and keep their Scudetto hopes alive, making it two wins on the trot.
Juventus vs Inter Team News
In addition to long-term absentees Federico Chiesa, Kaio Jorge and Weston McKennie, Mattia de Sciglio will also be unavailable for selection due to accumulated yellow cards. Juventus boss Allegri is still sweating over Danilo and Luca Pellegrini, as both face a race against time to make themselves available for the final cut.
On the other hand, Inter will be without defensive stalwart Alessandro Bastoni. However, Inzaghi will have an otherwise fully-fit squad at his disposal for the Wednesday showpiece.
Juventus Potential Starting XI (4-3-2-1): Mattia Perin; Juan Cuadrado, Matthijs de Ligt, Leonardo Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Dennis Zakaria, Adrien Rabiot, Manuel Locatelli; Paulo Dybala; Alvaro Morata; Dusan Vlahovic.
Inter Milan Potential Starting XI (3-5-2): Samir Handanovic; Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij, Federico Dimarco; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ivan Perisic; Edin Dzeko, Lautaro Martinez.