Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Inter-Juventus Preview:
Mazzarri faces first real test in Derby d'Italia

The Nerazzurri have started the season promisingly, with wins over Genoa
and Catania, but an altogether tougher prospect faces them against the champions.

Sep 13, 2013

Juventus and Inter put their winning starts on the line on Saturday as they go head-to-head in the Derby d'Italia at San Siro.

http://markting10.nl/

Both sides have won their opening two matches of the season and will consider themselves contenders for the Serie A crown.

The pair are two of Italy's most successful clubs, with 47 top-flight titles between them - with Juventus winning the last two under Antonio Conte.

Juventus have the better record in the past 10 meetings, with five wins to Inter's three, and Conte will be hoping that his side can repeat last season's impressive 2-1 victory.

In fact, Juventus have not lost at San Siro in their last three visits in the league - winning two and drawing the third.

After a disappointing season under Andrea Stramaccioni in which they finished ninth, things are starting to look more promising under new coach Walter Mazzarri.

The former Napoli coach brought in 13 players during the close-season and they have made a solid start to the campaign.

Both teams have scored five goals in the league so far, with Inter yet to concede, while Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been beaten once.

Juve midfielder Claudio Marchisio - who will miss the game with a knee injury - admitted that games between the sides are always intense battles and he expects to see the same on Saturday.

"Inter have always made it difficult for us," he said. "They beat us last year and also have a new coach.

"They are capable of playing good, fierce football.

"For us to beat a strong team like Inter on the third day of the season would be a real boost of confidence.

"I am sorry not to be there, but the team is doing well. I have great confidence in my team-mates."

Conte has new injury worries coming into the game after two of his squad returned from international duty facing spells on the sidelines.

Mirko Vucinic was carried off on a stretcher during Montenegro's World Cup qualifying game with Poland with a knee injury.

The 29-year-old's knee is said to be swollen and, with a Champions League clash against Copenhagen on the horizon, Conte does not want to run the risk of further aggravating the injury.

Martin Caceres will definitely need an operation to repair the torn cartilage in his right knee that he injured during Uruguay's qualifier with Peru.

The full-back is expected to be out for six weeks while he recovers from the injury.

Carlos Tevez is due to start for the defending champions, but his partner could be Fernando Llorente, Sebastian Giovinco or Fabio Quagliarella.

Inter have no new injury worries but are still without long-term absentees Diego Milito, Walter Samuel, Cristian Chivu and captain Javier Zanetti.


Head to Head

Friendly -‎ Aug 6, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 1 FC Internazionale
Serie A ‎- Mar 30, 2013 - FC Internazionale 1 - 2 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Nov 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - 3 FC Internazionale
Serie A ‎- Mar 25, 2012 - Juventus 2 - 0 FC Internazionale
Serie A ‎- Oct 29, 2011 - FC Internazionale 1 - 2 Juventus


Last Five Matches

FC Internazionale

Sep 1, 2013 - Catania 0 - 3 FC Internazionale - Serie A
Aug 25, 2013 - FC Internazionale 2 - 0 Genoa - Serie A
Aug 18, 2013 - FC Internazionale 4 - 0 Cittadella - Coppa Italia
Aug 10, 2013 - Real Madrid CF 3 - 0 FC Internazionale - Friendly
Aug 6, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 1 FC Internazionale - Friendly


Juventus

Aug 31, 2013 - Juventus 4 - 1 Lazio - Serie A
Aug 24, 2013 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus - Serie A
Aug 18, 2013 - Juventus 4 - 0 Lazio - Italian Supercoppa
Aug 6, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 1 FC Internazionale - Friendly
Aug 4, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 3 Los Angeles Galaxy - Friendly

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

MATCH PREVIEW

Sep 13, 2013

Traditional rivals Inter and Juventus meet in the ever-fiery Derby d’Italia, with both sides protecting 100 per cent starts.

http://markting10.nl/

Walter Mazzarri’s reign continued its positive launch with a 3-0 victory away at Catania before the international break. Goals from Rodrigo Palacio, Yuto Nagatomo and Ricky Alvarez sealed a dominant display in Sicily. The tactician believes each victory is adding confidence and washing away the tension of last term.

Most promising for the Coach and the Nerazzurri was the second consecutive clean sheet. The defence was an area of much pre-season discussion given Mazzarri’s penchant for a back three, as well as Inter’s terrible record last season. Only Pescara conceded more goals.

The Milanese are without long-term absentee Javier Zanetti, plus Cristian Chivu. Diego Milito looks set to return to the bench after the serious knee injury suffered earlier this year. The same XI as in Catania is expected to take the field.

Juventus have started their title defence with a bang. They hammered Lazio for the second time with a 4-1 drubbing a fortnight ago. Arturo Vidal bagged a brace, before goals from Mirko Vucinic and Carlos Tevez sealed the rout. This followed their 4-0 Super Cup victory over the capital club.

Coach Antonio Conte has called Inter one of the sides with a genuine chance of catching his team, and is wary. “They are a side who mirror their Coach. They are to be feared because they are strong defensively and can hit you on the break.”

Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe remain on the sidelines. Martin Caceres joins the duo, out for 40 days after a knee injury picked up on international duty. Meanwhile, Mirko Vucinic is only fit enough for the bench following a knock suffered playing for Montenegro.

The Bianconeri enjoyed their 21st San Siro victory in March, picking up a 2-1 win. However, they remain behind Inter’s mark of 35 wins, in addition to 25 draws.

Keep an eye on: Paul Pogba (Juventus) – Having replaced the injured Claudio Marchisio in the Super Cup, the young Frenchman has been impressive and decisive in the first two matches of the new campaign. Pogba netted his first goal for France in midweek and will look to open his Serie A account.

Form guide: Inter ( - - -W W) Juventus ( - - -W W)

Last season: Inter 1-2 Juventus

Stat fact: Juve’s last six away victories against Inter have all come via a 2-1 scoreline, a run dating back to 1995-96.

Inter (probable): Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus; Jonathan, Guarin, Cambiasso, Kovacic, Nagatomo; Alvarez, Palacio

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juve squad for Inter

Sep 13, 2013

Mirko Vucinic and Andrea Barzagli have both been included in the Juventus squad to play Inter on Saturday.

http://markting10.nl/

The duo were doubts after picking up minor injuries, but the pair have been named in Antonio Conte’s travelling party.

Juventus squad: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Vucinic, Tevez, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Motta, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Citti

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus vs. Inter Milan Preview:
Round 3 — Back to business

Sep 13, 2013

Maybe it's just a coincidence. Maybe it's just pure, dumb luck. But the last time Juventus were coming out of an international break and looking at a Champions League match on horizon, their Serie A opponent a few days prior was, you guessed it, Inter Milan. Now, Juventus won't be facing the would-be European champions like they did in Bayern Munich last March, but the Champions League is still the Champions League and Europe awaits just a few short days after a derby.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus have their Group B opener against FC Copenhagen looming in the not-so-distant future. First things first, there's a little matter of traveling to the San Siro and facing Walter Mazzarri's new-look Inter. That's right — Derby day. Juve is undefeated. So is Inter. Sure, it's the just the third game of the season, but that's out of our control. Many are saying it could be the first in a number of matches that could shape the Scudetto race.

But couldn't we say that about a lot of derbies involving Juventus and Inter? I think so, but feel free to tell me otherwise.

Either way, what a nice way to get thrown right back into the fire that is the Serie A schedule. You think Antonio Conte would want this any other way? He gets to make sure his team is ready to get back into the swing of things by prepping them for one of the most intense rivalries in Europe there is and then gets to start his quest to conquer the Champions League.

Football time is upon us. What a wonderful time to try and get three points every couple of days.

GOOD NEWS

Juventus went into the international break with a 4-1 win over Lazio. It was a dominating performance — one that showed many just how dangerous Juve can be with somebody like Carlos Tevez adding his attacking talents to an already incredibly talented squad coached up by an even better manager.

Speaking of Tevez, he's 3 for 3 when it comes to scoring goals in games that actually count. Methinks Juventus signed a pretty good striker, guys. I'm willing to go out on a limb with this one.

There seems to be a trend developing here. Keep it going, gents.

BAD NEWS

Short-attention-span writing for short-attention-span reading...

• Juventus has already played Inter this (pre)season and lost on penalties. Prepare yourselves, folks.
(Okay, so maybe the International Champions doesn't matter.)

• Juventus, as a team, have had to wait two weeks to try and built off the 4-1 win over Lazio. Boo.

Oh, and Juve's injury list has gotten quite a bit bigger over the course of the international break. Mirko Vucinic is a doubt for the tomorrow's game against Inter, Martin Caceres is done for the next 35 days or so, and Andrea Barzagli had to pull out of the Italy squad because he can't shake his incredibly annoying foot injury. But more on that in a couple of second.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. The health of Mirko Vucinic.

While he's not going to be out as long as fellow international break casualty Martin Caceres, Vucinic's injury has put him in doubt for Inter. That's not exactly new news around these parts, but it's also the reality of the situation. It's clear that, at least for the time being, the Vucinic-Tevez partnership up front is the one that Conte is going to rely on. There hasn't been a need to rotate things just yet with the schedule being the way it was pre-international break. But with Vucinic fighting off an injury and the schedule about to get busy, the choice the Mister has is undoubtedly an interesting one.

I don't know. It's all very interesting.

2. Who starts alongside Carlos Tevez if Vucinic is a no-go?

The million dollar question around these parts — and solely dependent on whether Mr. Montenegro is healthy enough to play. Earlier in the week it was seemingly between two gentlemen, Fabio Quagliarella and Fernando Llorente. You might have heard of them before. As of Thursday it seemed like the Italian press' favorite to start next to Tevez up front is the man who scored a wonder-goal at the San Siro last time Juventus were there.

Ya know, this goal...

I could watch that goal over and over again. (And maybe I did.)

Come Friday, the same GdS folks who were saying Quagliarella was going to start were saying Llorente is going to get the nod. If you're confused, you're not alone. Every day brings a different player. But it seems like who actually will start next to Tevez will be one of the things we'll have to wait for the starting lineups to actually know. The Italian press can try and pinpoint it all they want, but it's Antonio Conte's call last time I checked.

3. The health of Andrea Barzagli.

The Great Wall's fitness has been a concern for weeks now. Why? Well, for the second straight time he's been called to international duty, Barzagli hasn't played a minute for Italy. There's not a growing concern that Barzagli won't be able to be ready for Inter like there is with Vucinic, but it will be interesting to see how he handles and immediately responds to the usual defensive situations — sprinting and stopping and then sprinting again, going in for tackles, challenging the opposition in the air, etc. etc. etc. — he will likely find himself in against Inter.

4. Whether this new-look Inter is worthy of the praise it's currently getting.

Ah, fun with small sample sizes. The Italian press — and other outlets, for that matter — is certainly enjoying what Mazzarri has brought to the table thus far. Along with Roma (!!), Inter is one of two teams that has yet to allow a goal in the opening two rounds of the season. While you try and pick your jaw up off the ground after associating Roma with defense, let's try and remember we're talking about Inter — and not the one we laughed at last season. That was quite fun, though, I must say.

5. How Juventus look coming out of the international break.

The international break wasn't exactly a break for some. Some were able to basically get a free ride home with the Italian contingent who played in Turin on Tuesday night. Others, like Arturo Vidal traveled halfway around the world for his pair of World Cup qualifiers with Chile, had to make the trek back home over thousands of miles. There may be some kind of international break fatigue, there may be no reason to worry. We'll find out in Milan on Saturday.

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic, Tevez

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Inter Milan-Juventus: Derby d'Italia preview

Juventus manager Antonio Conte's side face a massive early test in the Derby d'Italia versus Inter Milan.

Sep 13, 2013

There's nothing like the prospect of watching another Derby d'Italia to initiate conspiracy chat, tabloid fodder and scandalous rumours. 'Moral victory' against 31 Scudetti 'won on the pitch', it's difficult to imagine a match between Inter and Juventus not resulting in unwanted chatter and off-the-pitch nonsense.

http://markting10.nl/

Both teams boast a glorious past, both teams have won an abundance of trophies and both sides are vying for success in tomorrow's top of the table clash. It's XI vs. XI; Walter Mazzarri vs. Antonio Conte and Inter vs. Juventus.

The Nerazzurri, unlike last season, boast courage and conviction. Mazzarri, while still insisting on playing a three-man defence, has created a compact team unit that love nothing more than to exhibit their pace, strength and quick manoeuvres. Defensively solid, this Inter side have conceded zero goals in their opening two games and are well-equipped to soak up the pressure before inflicting their pace to counter-effect in devastating fashion.

Their skilled backline combines experience, raw strength, technical skill and an explosive nature. While in attack, there is much to fear due to the likes of Rodrigo Palacio and Ricky Alvarez.

While the former is blessed with dynamism and intelligence, sourcing and exploiting space at will, the latter has begun to perform to expectations. Displaying the confidence that catapulted him to notoriety when playing at Velez Sarsfield, he is soaking up the pressure and spitting out dazzling performances.

As for Mazzarri, he has been credited with removing fear within this Inter side. Accused of insecurity and besieged by fear last season, Mazzarri has worked on instilling confidence and transmitting a winning mentality -- getting the best out players such as Jonathan and Alvarez once labelled as 'disappointments'.

However, is Mazzarri good enough to manage a rebirth within the side? Conte, they said, took a Juve side that had finished in seventh place twice to a trophy. Despite the remarkable impact the Old Lady's tactician made, he did not do it alone. One cannot forget the well-assembled squad he had at his disposal who all but boasted the right attitude within. Important talent were scouted and brought in while psychologically, care was taken to create a balanced and hungry group of people that were ripe for success.

Mazzarri cannot achieve success alone and needs the support of the Inter board to ensure a change of fortunes. Combining youthful skill and wise experience, Inter have a good squad at hand. Whether or not they are good enough remains to be seen and can only be judged at the end of the season.

Playing at home, the Nerazzurri will be a tough team to overcome when deployed in their now usual 3-5-1-1 formation. However, nothing is impossible, especially not for a side as well equipped as Juventus. For one thing, the Nerazzurri have already shown their potential for struggle when forced to be proactive as opposed to reactive -- much like Mazzarri's Napoli -- but they have managed to keep possession well in their recent games.

Another weakness lies in their ability to overcome organised defences. Despite the level of footballing intelligence at the top, should Juventus keep tight lines and restrict space, then Inter's forwards will struggle to penetrate. This is the type of game which demands the absolute best of Juve's midfield to hinder Inter's play and facilitate their own dangerous ability to attack. However, the duel may well be decided on the wings where both sides will look to dominate.

No side in Italy is better than Juventus when it comes to possessing the ball but Inter are dangerous and desperate to prove themselves, averaging the second highest amount of shots at goal per game in the league. Gianluigi Buffon must remain alert and focused for the entirety of the match while Inter will attempt to disturb the Bianconeri's passing rhythm.

For the Old Lady, Conte is still waiting to assess Andrea Barzagli and Mirko Vucinic but according to the latest report, they should be available to start tomorrow's match.

A European challenge may be awaiting them on Tuesday evening against Copenhagen in the Champions League, but right now, league dominance is the only thing on their mind.

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

The sibling rivalry of a Scudetto

Saturday’s Inter-Juventus tie is the first of a number of close
encounters which could shape the Serie A season, writes Dave Taylor.

Sep 13, 2013

Once upon a time, there were seven sisters. They were made up of Juventus, Milan, Inter, Parma, Lazio, Roma and Fiorentina. They invariably contested and won many of Europe’s top prizes. Eventually, and perhaps inevitably, beset by financial problems le sette sorelle broke up and went their separate ways.

http://markting10.nl/

Now, boosted by an astute summer of buying and selling, the siblings have been reunited – well, almost. Take out Parma and Lazio, then add Napoli and you have six sides seemingly intent on returning Serie A to those glory days.

The Inter-Juventus clash this weekend is the opening salvo in a run of crucial ties over the next three matchdays that involves all six. Week 4 sees Milan entertain Napoli and Roma play Lazio, while Inter will welcome Fiorentina in Week 5. And although these results won’t mean too much statistically at this stage of the season, they could give an early insight as to who will finish where.

These new six sisters have made their intentions clear with their financial outlays over the summer and by collecting, with the exception of Milan, maximum points from the first two rounds.

The biggest spenders were Napoli who laid out over €70m, with their record €37.5m capture of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain their most impressive swoop. Other new recruits included Spanish forward Jose Callejon and defender Raul Albiol, Belgian international Dries Mertens and Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael. Fellow custodian Pepe Reina was netted on loan from Liverpool.

“We have targeted players with a few years of experience, players who can hit the ground running,” clarified new Coach Rafa Benitez. When you factor in the contract extensions to the “priceless” Marek Hamsik and the explosive Lorenzo Insigne, Benitez could not have made his intentions any clearer.

Fiorentina also made some exciting buys with dynamic young Coach Vincenzo Montella partnering €15.5m striker Mario Gomez with a revitalised Giuseppe Rossi. Add in experienced Milan veteran Massimo Ambrosini, the menacing attacking midfielder Josip Ilicic and they too will be looking towards a top spot. The Scudetto, though, remains a big ask.

Roma are another club who purchased big, with almost €50m spent on three players. Serbian star Adem Ljajic, the ultra-classy defender Mehdi Benatia and top midfielder Kevin Strootman all arrived and played their parts in their two wins as the Giallorossi look to seriously compete despite some high profile sales.

On the other hand, Milan started slowly by losing their first game at Verona. But as Zenit’s former Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti said: “Milan are Milan.” He also reminded us that a side labelled as horrifying during the early part of 2012-13 still ended the campaign in third. On paper, Milan will be competitive following the signings of Andrea Poli, Matias Silvestre and Alessandro Matri. If Kaka is anything like his old self then the Diavolo could be hard to stop – especially if Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy both deliver.

Inter also had a busy transfer window with some established performers like Napoli stopper Hugo Campagnaro reinforcing the squad alongside some potential stars of tomorrow in the shape of Mauro Icardi and Ishak Belfodil. The most crucial capture, though, could be that of Walter Mazzarri – a tactician who has already given his side a new identity.

The Beneamata’s credentials will be tested in the Derby d’Italia clash on Saturday. Inter President Massimo Moratti thinks his team can close the gap on Juventus, with former club legend Ronaldo believing Inter will have a great season without the pressures of European involvement.

That’s a possibility, but Juventus are still rightly regarded as favourites for the Scudetto. Yet the Nerazzurri did break Juve’s unbeaten run last season with a trident formation foiling lynchpin Andrea Pirlo and cutting off the Bianconeri’s obvious superiority in midfield. If they can repeat the trick, there might just be something in Juve director general Beppe Marotta’s warning that Inter are among the title favourites.

“It will be a tough match for us, it will be important to determine our quality, but also the quality of our opponents, who I think can compete for Scudetto,” he said. Whatever the result though, a game in Week 3 will not decide the destiny of the tournament.

It could demonstrate, though, how strong Inter really are as a defensive unit. They are yet to concede this term after only Pescara let in more goals than them in 2012-13. Carlos Tevez will provide some questions given his three goals in three games so far. The Argentine has been the key addition to the Old Lady, adding a touch of class in the one department the Old Lady had been lacking in. Will he be the key factor in Juve’s search for a hat-trick of Scudetti?

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Milito comeback against Juve

Sep 14, 2013

Diego Milito is in the Inter squad to face Juventus this afternoon, his first call-up since damaging knee ligaments in February.

http://markting10.nl/

The seven-month spell on the sidelines appears to be over, as ‘Il Principe’ is named in Walter Mazzarri’s side for the Derby d’Italia.

It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (18.00).

Milito is not the only welcome face in the line-up, as Walter Samuel is also included.

Inter squad for Juventus: Handanovic, Castellazzi, Carrizo; Jonathan, Juan Jesus, Andreolli, Campagnaro, Wallace, Ranocchia, Samuel, Pereira, Rolando, Nagatomo; Kovacic, Alvarez, Guarin, Kuzmanovic, Cambiasso, Taider; Belfodil, Palacio, Icardi, Milito

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Why Conte should rest players for Inter showdown

Just one Nerazzurri player makes our combined Juventus/Inter XI and the Bianconeri boss
could even afford the luxury of rotating his squad with Europe high on the agenda.

Sep 14, 2013

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes

Just as crises are created in the minds of many football supporters after as few as two defeats, many suddenly believe their club to be on the verge of big things thanks to just a couple of wins. Such is the power of this great sport of ours, short-term form can so often cloud judgement as to achievable goals in the long run.

http://markting10.nl/

The 2013-14 incarnation of Inter are a case in point. Looking to recover from a rotten campaign last time around, they have begun the new season with back-to-back victories that have had many reviewing their original assessment of the Nerazzurri as a team very much in transition.

But while they have six points under their belts from their opening two matches, the truth is that Inter remain a shadow of the side that conquered Europe just three short years ago. More than that, they are still a long way short of the standard required to compete for a return to the Champions League come the season’s end.

Where Fiorentina, Napoli, Lazio and Roma have all dealt well over the summer, Inter’s reinforcements have done little to persuade the neutral of their European pedigree. Hugo Campagnaro has followed Walter Mazzarri from Napoli, but he was a member of the Partenopei’s least effective department over the last few seasons. Elsewhere, Ishak Belfodil has arrived from Parma amidst much pomp and circumstance but with little proven ability. Mauro Icardi’s addition to the ranks is positive, but not to the level necessary for Inter to turn ninth into third any time soon.

Just as Samir Handanovic’s magnificent efforts in goal last term could not stop the Nerazzurri from conceding 81 goals in all competitions, neither were Rodrigo Palacio’s 22 goals sufficient to win the points necessary to challenge for a top five spot, let alone top three. The return of Diego Milito is awaited as much thanks to the dearth of quality around him as it is for the Argentine's qualities at his advanced age.

Many Interisti pointed to a poor injury record for their demise, but the inability of the likes of Ricky Alvarez, Yuto Nagatomo and Fredy Guarin to take them up a level, coupled with the downright abysmal performances of Andrea Ranocchia and Jonathan, meant that the sub-standard quality of the playing panel was reflected in the final Serie A table. If the Pinetina squad were thrown in together with Juve’s staff right now, only Palacio would get a game.

How can anyone seriously provide a case for Inter finishing in the top three? Some may say that, given a better injury record, they could perform again as they did in the opening 12 weeks of last season. That run saw them beat Juventus and move to within three points of the champions. But while they go into Saturday’s latest Derby d’Italia ahead of Juve on goal difference, the gap between the two clubs hasn’t been this wide in decades.

Juventus are a club stocked deep with talent. When Claudio Marchisio picked up a knock in the Supercoppa Italiana, Paul Pogba immediately stepped in and improved the side. Martin Caceres is unavailable now through injury, but that will make no odds to a starting line-up that rarely includes the World Cup semi-finalist and Copa America winner anyway. With Mirko Vucinic potentially missing this weekend, in will step one of Fernando Llorente, Fabio Quagliarella or Sebastian Giovinco, all of whom would likely make it into Inter’s first-choice side right now. Elsewhere, Mauricio Isla - fantastic against Spain for Chile in midweek - sits regularly on the sidelines but was chased by Inter in the summer.

Where once this fixture would have been ringed on the calendar by Juventini as the biggest game of the campaign, this match isn’t even the most testing one this week for the Old Lady. On Tuesday, Juve go to the Parken, scene of last year’s draw with Nordsjaelland, to open their Champions League season against Copenhagen. In anticipation of that fixture and in the context of a group which also boasts Real Madrid and Galatasaray, Antonio Conte should use the relative weakness of Inter as an opportunity to rest his top players.

Last season, he didn’t quite get the balance right around European fixtures. In league games either side of draws or defeats in Europe, Juve had a 100 per cent record. When they won in the Champions League, that Serie A win percentage dropped to 50%. And that second scenario is the one they should be aiming for. Juventus cannot go winless in their opening three Champions League games again like last term; they can only chance a great escape once every so often.

Now is the time to prioritise Europe over Serie A and with Inter realistically lagging just as far behind now as they were six months ago, the Bianconeri could use Saturday’s game as a showcase for just how far they are ahead. Inter’s first team might well give Juve’s second string a run for their money, but Conte has the chance now to rest five or six stars, still take three points, and head to Denmark for Tuesday’s tougher test with a fresh panel from which to choose.

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Moratti: 'Curious' Derby d'Italia

Sep 14, 2013

Massimo Moratti is “curious” to see how Inter fare against Juventus today and said a Chinese bid for the club was “just a rumour.”

http://markting10.nl/

The Nerazzurri host the Derby d’Italia at San Siro, kicking off at 18.00.

“It is an important game today and we are all curious to see what level the team is at,” President Moratti told Sky Sport Italia.

“Juve are a traditional opponent who we shared much of our football history with, both positively and negatively.

“Walter Mazzarri is our best buy, as he is certainly a reference point and will continue to be that for the new Inter. He is a hard worker.”

Moratti had been expected to sell the majority Inter shares to Indonesian magnate Erick Thohir, but it was reported the delay was down to a new offer from China.

“That’s just a rumour without great consistency. Am I still convinced I want to sell? I wasn’t convinced before, nor am I convinced against it. This is an opportunity and will only go through if the conditions are right.”

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Line-ups: Inter-Juventus

Sep 14, 2013

Mirko Vucinic partners Carlos Tevez, while Rodrigo Palacio starts with Ricky Alvarez as Inter host Juventus in the Derby d’Italia.

http://markting10.nl/

It’s an unusually early kick-off at San Siro, 18.00.

Unlike last season, this is a top of the table showdown, as both teams have a 100 per cent record after two rounds.

Inter have not conceded a single goal yet with Samir Handanovic putting himself forward as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A.

Jonathan and Nagatomo are confirmed on the wings, where they have been so impressive in Walter Mazzarri’s 3-5-2 formation.

Alvarez supports Palacio, while Diego Milito is on the bench for the first time since snapping knee ligaments in February.

Saphir Taider gets the nod in midfield ahead of Mateo Kovacic, though Javier Zanetti and Cristian Chivu are still sidelined.

Juventus had several big injury doubts on their hands after international duty last week, but both Vucinic and Andrea Barzagli have been passed fit to start.

The Montenegro striker partners Tevez in his first Derby d’Italia and the Argentine will hope to continue his record of scoring in every competitive game for Juventus so far.

Paul Pogba starts in midfield in place of the injured Claudio Marchisio, joining Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.

Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe are also unavailable.

Juventus have won their last two visits to Inter by 2-1 scorelines and are unbeaten here since April 2010.

This represents Antonio Conte’s 100th official match on the Bianconeri bench.


Inter: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus; Jonathan, Guarin, Cambiasso, Taider, Nagatomo; Alvarez, Palacio

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Vucinic

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Derby d'Italia 2013: Players to Watch

Sep 14, 2013

The Derby d'Italia is a great spectacle of Italian football, and both Juventus and Inter Milan will be keen to continue their excellent starts to the year. Players will be out to make their mark in the famous contest, with Juventus also looking to avenge defeat from the last time the teams met.

http://markting10.nl/

That loss ended Juve's 49-game unbeaten run, so the contest has some extra spice this year. Every player will be excited for the game, but there are a few who could be crucial to their team's day, three of whom are outlined below.


Hugo Campagnaro

When Walter Mazzarri took over at Inter, many were surprised at how quickly the team responded to his influence. The development of Inter as a defensive unit owes much to the disciplined approach of Mazzarri, and Hugo Campagnaro has been at the centre of that.

Campagnaro's performances in this early part of the season has been impressive, and his team hasn't conceded a goal in their opening three games—two league and one cup—this year.

Compare that to the 56 goals they leaked last year and it's easy to mark out Campagnaro as a crucial player in this year's Derby d'Italia. Juventus boast one of the best attacks in Serie A, so it's going to be a true test of Mazzarri's new-look three-man defence.


Ricky Alvarez

Alvarez is another key figure in Inter's recent return to prominence. Mazzarri will need a heroic performance from the attacking midfielder if he is to beat the reigning Serie A champions. Once considered a disappointment, Alvarez has regained some confidence and now looks to be a threat every time he touches the ball.

Juventus are particularly good at playing possession football, so it's going to be difficult for Alvarez to dominate the game like he has in recent weeks. Juve are organised and extremely efficient in attack, so Alvarez has to make the most of what will be limited opportunities for Inter.

Based on his recent form, there's every chance that he will capitalise.


Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez has scored in his first three games for Juventus and there will be expectation on him to perform once again in this ancient rivalry.

Tevez has found the net in big wins, and he was the difference in a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria, so he has already proven he can function under pressure situations at Juventus.

Carlo Garganese at Goal.com described Tevez as "the perfect player for Juventus" from a tactical point of view. Garganese highlighted Tevez's work-rate, adaptability and technical skill as big reasons why he is suited to Serie A and, in particular, Juventus.

Juve will look to dominate the midfield and break down Inter through pressure. Although Inter have been solid in defence so far this year, there is a suspicion that they remain vulnerable against a truly aggressive attack like Juve.

The feeling persists that the Old Lady will just be too strong for Inter across the 90 minutes. It's going to be a close contest, but Tevez could again prove to be the difference.

[Socrates 8541]

INTER - JUVENTUS

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato

HT: Inter 0 - 0 Juve goalkeepers busy

Sep 14, 2013

Both sides forced tough saves with Paul Pogba, Yuto Nagatomo and Saphir Taider, but at half-time it’s Inter 0-0 Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

The Derby d’Italia was also a top of the table clash, as both teams had a 100 per cent record after two rounds. Mirko Vucinic and Andrea Barzagli shook off knocks from international duty to start, while Claudio Marchisio and Martin Caceres were injured. The Nerazzurri picked Saphir Taider in place of Mateo Kovacic with Diego Milito on the bench for the first time since snapping knee ligaments in February.

This was Antonio Conte’s 100th match on the Juventus bench and the Bianconeri had won their last two visits to San Siro. Over 83,000 were packed into the stadium.

Yuto Nagatomo had the first real scoring opportunity on 12 minutes, his volley from a poorly cleared corner beaten away at the near post by Gigi Buffon.

There was controversy soon after when Arturo Vidal burst into the box and was rugby tackled by Taider, but the goal-line assistant ruled the Chilean had handled first. Replays suggest if there was contact, it was extremely light.

Juve began to pin Inter back into their own half and Samir Handanovic had to parry a Paul Pogba scuffed volley at the near post from an Andrea Pirlo ball over the top.

Stephan Lichtsteiner risked a second yellow card, infuriating Conte, but did well to intercept Rodrigo Palacio’s assist for Nagatomo.

Ricky Alvarez robbed Pirlo to spark a counter-attack and Buffon needed his legs to deny Taider at the near stick.


Inter 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Inter: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus; Jonathan, Guarin, Cambiasso, Taider, Nagatomo; Alvarez, Palacio

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Vucinic

Ref: Orsato

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Inter 1-1 Juventus
Spoils shared in tense Derby d'Italia

Mauro Icardi came of the bench to open the scoring for the Nerazzurri
late in the game, but Arturo Vidal salvaged a point for the Bianconeri.

Sep 14, 2013

Serie A champions Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Inter side at San Siro on Saturday.

http://markting10.nl/

Both sides had their moments throughout the Serie A encounter, but it looked like the hosts had done enough to earn all three points when substitute Mauro Icardi opened the scoring in the 73rd minute.

However, the champions responded immediately as Arturo Vidal equalised just two minutes later to ensure both teams remain unbeaten after three top-flight fixtures.

Inter went into the clash high on confidence after beginning the campaign with two wins from two games, the latest coming at Catania prior to the international break.

Nerazzurri trainer Walter Mazzarri made just one change to that team, with Saphir Taider replacing Mateo Kovacic.

Juventus also started the season with consecutive victories and, in his 100th match in charge, coach Antonio Conte choose Carlos Tevez to once again partner Mirko Vucinic in attack as Fernando Llorente settled for a place on the bench.

The match started at a ferocious pace in the opening quarter of an hour and Inter created the first chance on goal as Yuto Nagatomo struck a volley from inside the penalty area after Alvarez's corner, but Gianluigi Buffon got down to his right to palm away.

Juventus looked dangerous when they were able to get into attacking positions, and the champions thought Vidal had won a penalty when he went down under pressure from Taider, but the Chilean was instead booked for diving.

Inter's productivity in attack increased as the first half went on, but it was Pogba who should have opened the scoring for the visitors just after the half-hour mark.

However, the France international's close-range effort after Andrea Pirlo’s lofted pass was saved Samir Handanovic.

The first period ended with Mazzarri's side on the front foot, but Buffon was in good form to deny Taider after the Algerian skipped past Stephan Lichtsteiner down the left and shot from a narrow angle.

The first 10 minutes of the second half proved to be cagey as neither side posed much of an attacking threat and Juventus appeared increasingly content to sit back and absorb pressure from the hosts.

However, Conte's men still looked dangerous on the counter-attack and they almost broke to devastating effect just before the hour.

Tevez cut in from the right before playing Vidal in, but he could only fire wide of Handanovic's left-hand post.

But the deadlock was eventually broken at the other end 17 minutes from time as Icardi - who had been introduced from the bench just six minutes earlier - latched on to a perfect through-ball from Ricky Alvarez and fired first time past Buffon.

However, Juventus managed to hit back straight away as Kwadwo Asamoah muscled his way past two defenders down the left before hitting a low cross into the danger area, which Vidal controlled with a superb first touch before placing the ball into the bottom corner.

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Week3: Derby d'Italia fiery draw

Arturo Vidal replied to Mauro Icardi in a hard-fought 1-1 Derby d’Italia draw between Inter and Juventus.

Sep 14, 2013

The Derby d’Italia was also a top of the table clash, as both teams had a 100 per cent record after two rounds. Mirko Vucinic and Andrea Barzagli shook off knocks from international duty to start, while Claudio Marchisio and Martin Caceres were injured. The Nerazzurri picked Saphir Taider in place of Mateo Kovacic with Diego Milito on the bench for the first time since snapping knee ligaments in February.

http://markting10.nl/

This was Antonio Conte’s 100th match on the Juventus bench and the Bianconeri had won their last two visits to San Siro. Over 83,000 were packed into the stadium.

Yuto Nagatomo had the first real scoring opportunity on 12 minutes, his volley from a poorly cleared corner beaten away at the near post by Gigi Buffon.

There was controversy soon after when Arturo Vidal burst into the box and was rugby tackled by Taider, but the goal-line assistant ruled the Chilean had handled first. Replays suggest if there was contact, it was extremely light.

Juve began to pin Inter back into their own half and Samir Handanovic had to parry a Paul Pogba scuffed volley at the near post from an Andrea Pirlo ball over the top.

Stephan Lichtsteiner risked a second yellow card, infuriating Conte, but did well to intercept Rodrigo Palacio’s assist for Nagatomo. Ricky Alvarez robbed Pirlo to spark a counter-attack and Buffon needed his legs to deny Taider at the near stick.

Lichtsteiner was substituted at the break because he was on that yellow card, making way for former Inter transfer target Mauricio Isla.

Palacio’s free header was straight at Buffon after the restart, then Tevez broke away from Nagatomo, but his pass for Vidal was wayward and the angled drive from the Chilean flashed across the face of goal.

Mauro Icardi was introduced, having scored three goals against Juve for Sampdoria last season, and a series of shots were charged down in the Bianconeri box.

It proved an inspired substitution by Mazzarri, as Icardi broke the deadlock. Alvarez robbed Giorgio Chiellini and burst forward, so Icardi got between centre-backs and smashed it past Buffon at the near post.

However, the lead did not last long, as Vidal equalised 80 seconds later at San Siro. Kwadwo Asamoah did well to reach the by-line and pull back for the Chilean, who picked his spot and drilled into the far bottom corner from 12 yards. There were four defenders around Vidal, but he reacted quicker and it was the first goal Inter have conceded this season.

Moments later it was almost 2-1 for Juventus, as the Tevez angled drive skimmed the upright and Handanovic smothered a long-range Pogba effort.

On 88 minutes Tevez chipped a cross for Vidal’s header, forcing a desperate Handanovic save, but Isla scuffed the follow-up wide from six yards.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inter: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus; Jonathan, Guarin, Cambiasso, Taider (Icardi 68), Nagatomo; Alvarez (Kovacic 80), Palacio

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Isla 46), Vidal, Pirlo (Padoin 86), Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Vucinic (Quagliarella 71)

Ref: Orsato

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Vidal secures point for Juve

Sep 14, 2013

Inter Milan and Juventus shared the spoils from the first Derby d'Italia of the new Serie A season as Arturo Vidal salvaged a point for the reigning champions.

http://markting10.nl/

Both clubs had claimed maximum points from their opening two matches, but Inter have looked the more confident side under new boss Walter Mazzarri, who arrived from runners-up Napoli.

Indeed it was the home side who broke the deadlock midway through the second half at San Siro as substitute Mauro Icardi scored his first goal in Nerazzurri colours, but Chilean midfielder Vidal - already a two-time Scudetto winner with Juve - responded with his 20th league goal for the Turin giants.

The leaky backline that took a large chunk of the blame when Inter finished in a lowly ninth place last season had not conceded a goal in two league games under Mazzarri in the league and impressed again.

Hugo Campagnaro cut out a cool through-ball from Carlos Tevez in the opening exchanges before goalkeeper Samir Handanovic dashed onto a cross from Paul Pogba.

Inter's frontline has also looked more intimidating and Yuto Nagatomo went close to notching a sixth Nerazzurri goal of the season, only for visiting keeper Gianluigi Buffon to protect his nets.

At the other end Andrea Pirlo's free-kick sailed straight down Handanovic's throat before Juve clamoured for a penalty in the 18th minute.

Vidal was on the ground in the box but referee Gianluca Rocchi instead whistled for a handball.

On the 30-minute mark Pogba connected poorly with a left-footed volley under the posts, Handanovic parrying with ease, and Juve had wasted their best chance of the half.

Inter's came a few minutes before the break as Pirlo lost possession in midfield, but Saphir Taider's ambitious finish at the end of a counter-attack was repelled by the alert Buffon.

A slower start to the second half saw Rodrigo Palacio test Buffon with a header before Vidal messed up his finish from a neat Tevez pass.

Fredy Guarin rattled the crossbar with a right-footed shot and, with Mazzarri looking increasingly frustrated on the touchline, he threw Icardi into the action for Taider.

That move paid immediate dividends as the young Argentinian opened his Inter account in the 73rd minute.

A lapse in concentration from Giorgio Chiellini allowed Ricky Alvarez to steal the ball on the right. He fed Icardi on the edge of the box and the summer signing from Sampdoria clipped over Buffon to inspire rapture in the San Siro crowd.

Hush descended two minutes later, though, as Vidal dug out a left-footed finish to equalise when standing unchecked in Handanovic's box.

Tevez and Pogba both came knocking in the final throes but it would be Mauricio Isla who missed the clearest chance to turn the game on its head.

With two minutes remaining, Tevez's cross from the by-line found Vidal, whose bullet header sent Handanovic sprawling only for Isla to slice the loose ball past the near post and into the stands.

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Honours even in season’s first Derby d’Italia

Sep 14, 2013

Inter were held to a 1-1 draw by Juventus in the first Derby d’Italia of the 2013/14 campaign at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday evening.

http://markting10.nl/

Mauro Icardi’s 72nd minute goal was cancelled out by a Arturo Vidal’s strike, which arrived moments later, as the two sides shared the spoils and also both maintained their unbeaten starts to the new season.

The Bianconeri broke on the counter-attack after just two minutes, with Tevez running from the half way line and outpacing the Inter defenders, almost putting Mirko Vucinic through. However, Hugo Campagnaro got back in time to make sure the Montenegrin didn’t get on the end of the pass.

Yugo Nagatomo had the first shot of the game, drawing a good save from Gianluigi Buffon in the 12th minute after the ball broke to him from a corner. The Japanese international volleyed the ball towards the bottom left of the goal on the volley and Buffon dived down low to his right and palmed the ball away well.

Yuto Nagatomo then attempted an ambitious drive from 35 yards which went flying over the bar without troubling Buffon who watched it sail over.

The Bianconeri then had their first shot on goal with Paul Pogba missing a glorious opportunity to put the visitors ahead as he tamely passed an Andrea Pirlo pass into the awaiting arms of Samir Handanovic.

Guarin’s dangerous cross in the 65th minute flashed acoss the face of Buffon’s goal, but there was nobody to ge on the end of it.

Giorgio Chiellini then blocked Guarin’s shot on the right, and the ball lingered in the Juve box for some time before Tevez ran it out of defence.

Icardi opened the scoring in the 73nd minute, as Ricky Alvarez won the ball in Juventus’ half and slipped a lovely ball through to his teammate on the right, who slotted past Buffon at the near post.

They were not in front for long however, as Juventus equalised just one minute later through Vidal. Asamoah stormed down the left, muscling past two Inter defenders, and passed Vidal the ball in the box, as the Chilean skipped past his man and smashed the ball into the bottom right corner with a left-footed drive.

Tevez went close seconds later after a neat flick from Fabio Quagliarella put the Argentine through on the left, but he flashed a shot wide of the right post.

Pogba was the next to try his luck with a drive from far out, but it was a tame effort which was aimed straight into the arms of Handanovic.

Despite both sides pushing for a winner late-on, the match finished as a draw with neither team being able to find the winning goal they were searching for.

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Player Ratings

The Serie A high-fliers shared the spoils in a captivating Derby d'Italia on Saturday,
as Arturo Vidal rescued a point for the Bianconeri following Mauro Icardi's opener.

Sep 14, 2013


FC Internazionale

Samir Handanoviç - Succeeded in keeping his team in the match following a string of fine saves near the death which ultimately proved decisive.

Juan Jesus - Looked to play the role of deep-lying playmaker at times with his efforts to start attacks from deep, but his passing was hit-and-miss at times. Defended well enough, though.

Hugo Armando Campagnaro - Struggled to live with the fluid movement of Tevez and co. and was guility of positional mis-haps and suspect offside traps initially, but greatly improved as the match wore on.

Andrea Ranocchia - Gave away a couple of fouls, one of which proved worthy of a yellow card, yet he was assured for most part and kept up his concentration leves.

Jonathan - Solid defensively as Asamoah was denied space to exploit down the left flank, but on the one occasion he let his man pass, it proved fatal in the context of the final result. Also offered little attacking threat.

Ricardo Gabriel Álvarez - He may have supplied the assist for Icardi's opener and always showed an eye for a pass.

Esteban Matias Cambiasso - A throw-back performance from the Argentine, who defied his advancing years with a general-esque showing - complete with an impressive range of passing and steely bite - in the middle of the park to push Vidal.

Fredy Guarín - The Colombian failed to showcase his long-range shooting as he was forced to sacrifice his attacking tendencies in favour of a more disciplined showing - although he was found wanting with his marking of Vidal.

Yuto Nagatomo - A typically industrious shift from the Japanese wing-back, who offered a constant threat from the left wing and also dropped deep to support his side's three-man defence.

Saphir Taider - Industrious enough as he worked hard to win the ball back and break down attacks, but eventually ran out of steam. Replaced in the second half by Icardi.

Rodrigo Palacio - Stationed as an out-and-out striker yet continually had to drop deeper to help out his colleagues. Fired a succession of attempts at goal, but his overall team play was more important.


Substitutions

Mateo Kovačić - Late cameo from the Croat who, bar one mazy run aside, came on too late to make a telling impact.

Mauro Emanuel Icardi - Explosive substitute's performance from the Argentine striker who displayed great intent and ability to fire his team into the lead.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon - Always looked assured between the posts and made a couple of important saves to help the Bianconeri to an away point.

Andrea Barzagli - Did well in the heart of the champions' defence as he read the movement of Inter's attackers and continually intercepted danger.

Leonardo Bonucci - Did not have a whole lot to do in comparison to his defensive partners, yet got on with his job without any qualms at the back.

Giorgio Chiellini - The gangly stopper was caught out for Icardi's opener after being robbed of possession near the halfway line, signalling a drop from his usual high standards.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - The Swiss was not given a minute's rest from Nagatomo and his yellow card sealed his fate - sacrificed at half-time for Isla.

Paul Pogba - Inter's disciplined midfield meant the Frenchman's impact was significantly quelled, but he was still able to manage a few snapshots. Notably missed a close-range chance from Pirlo's flighted ball.

Andrea Pirlo - His set piece prowess was surprisingly absent, bar one effort in the first half and lost the ball on occasions, yet he always looked a threat with his long-range passing.

Arturo Vidal - The Chilean gave one of his poorest first-half displays, as he lost out to Cambiasso in the midfield battle, but admirably regained his composure after the restart with the equaliser and all-action display we are now accustomed to.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Was suffocated early on by Jonathan, but waited patiently for an opening and was rewarded with the powerful run which lead to Vidal's equaliser.

Mirko Vučinić - A series of fancy flicks and tricks aside, he never looked truly threatening, as his partnership with Tevez soon burned out, and was replaced by the more-direct Quagliarella.

Carlos Tévez - A constant thorn in the Inter backline throughout the 90 minutes, the Argentine dragged his markers all over the place as he surged forward with real intent and was not afraid to shoot.


Substitutions

Mauricio Isla - Put in a decent shift in the second-half absence of Lichtsteiner, but missed a glorious chance right at the end to secure all three points for his team.

Fabio Quagliarella - The former Napoli and Sampdoria hitman was instantly more daring than Vucinic, as he got stuck in and offered a more direct threat than the Montenegrin.

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Conte: 'Inter and Juve are strong'

Antonio Conte believes the Derby d’Italia draw showed Inter
and Juventus can fight for the Scudetto this term.

Sep 14, 2013

“We confirmed today that Inter can target the top of the table this season, while Juventus are very tough to beat,” he told Sky Sport Italia after a 1-1 draw.

http://markting10.nl/

“I saw my team play very well in a difficult arena against a side that has everything to compete right to the end, as they don’t have European commitments and therefore will have better fitness levels.

“What I liked best was the effort and desire to do well. We went a goal down, but reacted with anger and could’ve gone 2-1 up straight after.

“At the start of the second half we should’ve kept more alert and concentrated, though it was tough after so many had been on international duty and some of them paid the consequences.”

Stephan Lichtsteiner was substituted at half-time after risking a second yellow card.

“Stephan had received a booking and he ran a risk with a challenge when all the Inter players ran over to the referee asking he be sent off. With my experience as a player, I know that in these cases the referee is just waiting for the next incident to flash the red card. In fact, I held on until half-time, as I could’ve substituted him earlier.”

Conte has used the same starting XI in each of the three Serie A games so far this season.

“Squad rotation will be done when it is opportune. Serie A is our real objective right now and we can achieve something historic this season.

“I never would’ve dreamed of rotating the squad against Inter. In these next few games we’ll see how strong we really are, as so far we’ve only played once a week. I trust the lads who haven’t played as much so far.

“Fabio Quagliarella is in good shape and is perhaps in his best form since I’ve been at Juventus. He is training very well and I keep him in mind, as everyone has a chance of playing.

“Fernando Llorente is part of the squad, but he was out for a year and that means losing sharpness, so he needs time to get back to full fitness. I won’t throw him into the mix before he’s ready just to keep the media happy.”

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Mazzarri: 'Inter on a par with Juve'

Walter Mazzarri was pleased with the Inter performance
and content enough with the point against Juventus.

Sep 14, 2013

Mauro Icardi opened the scoring, but Arturo Vidal equalised less than two minutes later for a 1-1 draw at San Siro.

http://markting10.nl/

“We played on a par with a consolidated team, especially in the first half. After the break we even pushed for the victory, which is a big leap in such a short space of time together,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“I was interested in seeing this Inter. We had done very well against Genoa and Catania, but with all due respect they are not Juventus and I wanted to see how we’d approach this game.

“You could see we were a little tense in the first half, but the lads gave me an important response and I am proud of how they are playing at this stage of the year.”

Antonio Conte said this performance shows Inter can challenge for the Scudetto.

“I was telling Massimo Moratti that all you need is two games that go wrong and immediately everyone says you need reinforcements. It’s too early to discuss this sort of thing. We are growing, but we started from scratch and are so far above and beyond expectations.”

However, there were some issues that Mazzarri highlighted, as Juventus took just 80 seconds to equalise and almost went in front soon after.

“We need to talk, because after the goal we were convinced that we’d already won. We even risked losing a few minutes later, so we should’ve kept pushing.”

Asked about the referee, Mazzarri was irritated at the line of questioning.

“Vidal looked like he handled the ball on that incident, while Stephan Lichtsteiner should’ve received a second yellow card. I have decided not to talk about referees, anyway.” ..... BUT YOU DID IT, LOSER!

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Vidal saves sleepy Juve from further Icardi-inspired pain

The sluggish champions let their guard down in the Derby d'Italia,
but the Chilean proved once more just what a class act he is to salvage a point.

Sep 15, 2013

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes

The inevitable happened once again in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia: Arturo Vidal had the final say.

http://markting10.nl/

Just as they switched off and allowed Mauro Icardi to lead Sampdoria to a shock victory in Turin in January, Juventus very nearly went down at the hands of the young Argentine once more when the Inter substitute broke the deadlock at San Siro.

But the Chilean wasn’t about to let his underperforming team-mates suffer a first defeat of the season and, having quickly equalised, he almost had a hand in a winner which wouldn’t have been entirely unwarranted despite the lacklustre nature of Juve’s performance.

For long spells the champions were far too pedestrian, allowing Inter’s back eight to sit in and watch the Bianconeri pass the ball around with a high degree of comfort. But it wasn’t even as though Walter Mazzarri’s side defended all that well.

Whenever Juve began to stretch the play a little, opportunities were created. Even at half pace, they could easily have won the game. Vidal would have won a penalty but for the ball catching his flailing arm a split-second before Saphir Taider rugby-tackled him to the ground. Paul Pogba should have put his foot through a Pirlo pass which caught Hugo Campagnaro right out of position. Inter tried hard on the counter, but it was their visitors making the best openings despite a stocked back line being placed before them.

At one stage late in the first half, Andrea Pirlo picked up the ball in 15 yards of space, with too many Inter players having sunk back to the edge of their own area. But the crooked and disorganised nature of the defensive line left enough space for the Italy midfielder to slide an angled ball in behind the back line for Mirko Vucinic, who would have put the champions ahead had he held his run better. The home side were defending in numbers, but not with real authority.

Still, Inter had a few half-chances of their own thanks to Juve’s rather distracted approach to the game. With a trip to Copenhagen ahead of them on Tuesday, there was a very good argument for rotating the first-team squad, yet Antonio Conte instead played his preferred XI, even rushing back Mirko Vucinic after he was stretchered off for Montenegro during the week. The result was that Juventus’ minds never seemed to be entirely on the task at hand.

The Old Lady’s lack of focus was exposed when Giorgio Chiellini was caught napping on the ball by Ricky Alvarez in the 73rd minute. The Argentine was then given a great angle to pass thanks to the clever run of Icardi, who finished superbly with his first touch of the game. While Juve had looked the most composed on the ball and quickly battled to win it back when they lost their way in the final third, the loss of possession in their own half proved crucial.

Yet the moment they needed to up their game they did so, gaining a quickfire response to Icardi’s opener. Kwadwo Asamoah made a rare run to the byeline with the ball at his feet, outmuscled Jonathan with ease, drew Campagnaro and cut back for Vidal to drive home the equaliser.

The Chilean’s magnificent form since arriving at Juve has been one of the biggest talking points in European football, helping to draw attention from many of the best clubs in the game. And he looked set to bolster his reputation even further in the 88th minute when his header from a left-wing cross proved too hot for Samir Handanovic to handle, but he was let down by compatriot Mauricio Isla, who skewed his shot wide with cover slow to come across.

It was the final chance of a keenly contested derby, robbing Vidal of the win bonus he deserved but also making Juve pay for not going at the game with their usual gusto. Inter will be more than happy with the point.

[Socrates 8541]

INTER 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mauro Emanuel Icardi (73′)

Arturo Vidal (75′)

September 14, 2013 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan
Referee: Daniele Orsato
Attendance:‬ 46000‎

Icardi loved San Siro scream

Mauro Icardi admits he was stunned by the San Siro crowd
when scoring for Inter against Juventus. “It was so loud!”.

Sep 15, 2013

The striker opened the scoring in Saturday’s 1-1 draw, having come off the bench to net his first goal in a Nerazzurri jersey.

http://markting10.nl/

“It was wonderful, scoring my first official Inter goal and to get it against Juventus too,” he told Inter Channel.

“The noise from the fans was incredible when the ball went in, as it was so loud! I hope to continue like this. Of course, if every year I get a goal against the Bianconeri...”

Icardi has a soft spot for Juventus, as he has now scored four goals in his last three meetings with the Turin giants.

“Rodrigo Palacio is someone who moves very well, so I like playing by his side.”

[Socrates 8541]

F.C. KOBENHAVN - JUVENTUS

September 17, 2013 8:45 PM
Parken Stadium — Copenhagen
Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)

Juventus squad for Copenhagen

Sep 15, 2013

Juventus have named a 21-man squad for their Champions League trip to Copenhagen.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri begin their European campaign on Tuesday evening in Denmark.

Strangely, Marco Motta is also making the journey despite not being elegible for Juventus in this competition.

Claudio Marchisio, Martin Caceres, Simone Pepe and Rubinho are still sidelined.


Juventus squad for Copenhagen: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 5 Ogbonna, 6 Pogba, 9 Vucinic, 10 Tevez, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 14 Llorente, 15 Barzagli, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 33 Isla, 50 Citti

[Socrates 8541]

F.C. KOBENHAVN - JUVENTUS

September 17, 2013 8:45 PM
Parken Stadium — Copenhagen
Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)

Croatian referee Bebek to officiate in Copenhagen

Sep 15, 2013

Overseeing proceedings in Juventus’ debut 2013/14 Champions League fixture against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday will be Ivan Bebek, supported by a team of fellow Croatian officials.

http://markting10.nl/

He has only ever been in charge of one game featuring the Bianconeri, but it was a memorable one: Juve’s 2-1 away victory over Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena in the 2010 Europa League.

Bebek will be assisted at Parken Stadium by Tomislav Petrovic, Miro Grgic and fourth official Dalibor Conjar.

[Socrates 8541]

F.C. KOBENHAVN - JUVENTUS

September 17, 2013 8:45 PM
Parken Stadium — Copenhagen
Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)

Nedved respects Copenhagen threat

Sep 16, 2013

Juventus director Pavel Nedved is not underestimating Tuesday’s Champions League opponents FC Copenhagen.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady will begin their European Cup bid in Denmark tomorrow and the former midfielder is in cautious mood.

“We must start the [European] campaign on the right foot, that is important,” the ex Golden Ball winner was quoted as saying on the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport website.

“We are really focused on Copenhagen. It will be a hard game. Last year we went to Nordsjaelland where we struggled and drew.”

Juventus reached the quarter-finals last season before being beaten by eventual winners Bayern Munich.

“There are better sides than us, but the strongest don’t always win,” added the official.

“We will know only on the field of play whether the gap between us and the top clubs has decreased in Europe, but Juventus have unquestionably reinforced and are stronger.

“We are very competitive, as hard as always. That is the brand of Antonio Conte. The squad follows him, they have his character, they never give up. We’re very happy with what the players are doing.”

Juventus have been knocked off top spot in Serie A following their draw at Inter on Saturday, but Nedved is happy with the club’s start to 2013-14.

“We’ve lost the leadership, but we had a tough start to the season [sampdoria, Lazio, Inter]. We are satisfied, the side have expressed themselves well so far.

“It was hard in Milan. Inter are a side who can just concentrate on the League. I think their best signing was boss Walter Mazzarri. He’s fixed their team, you can see his tactics, Inter gave a good impression.

“I don’t know if it will be a battle between Juve and Napoli for the Scudetto. There are other sides in the race.”

Nedved was also asked for an opinion on rising star Paul Pogba and Fernando Llorente, the summer signing who is struggling for playing time.

“Pogba can win the Golden Ball. I have no doubts. He is still just 20, therefore he has all the time he needs to improve.

“Llorente has arrived from a different League to a team that is already well defined. He just needs time. He will be very useful for us over the season.”

[Socrates 8541]

F.C. KOBENHAVN - JUVENTUS

September 17, 2013 8:45 PM
Parken Stadium — Copenhagen
Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)

Juventus – The Champions League Dream

Sep 16, 2013

28th May 2003, Old Trafford, Manchester

The scenes of Shevchenko celebrating after an epic penalty shootout will be clearly etched in Antonio Conte’s mind, who then was still playing for Juventus.It has been 10 years since Juventus went past the quarter finals of a European Cup and for a club of Juventus’ stature, it is kind of an underachievement. Yes, the Calciopoli Scandal in 2006 is a major and a valid reason behind the slump, but it has been six years now since The Old Lady returned to Serie A, and after a few turbulent years, Antonio Conte, now manager, has done a commendable job in assembling a title-winning squad. It will not be completely wrong to label Juventus as European underachievers, despite being the first team in the world to win all the European and Intercontinental titles; but with only two European Champions Cup (or Champions League) out of a possible seven to show for, it is kind of a disappointment for the most successful Italian club boasting of one of the largest global fan-bases.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus had to wait agonisingly long for their first European Cup triumph. After defeats in two previous finals, the Michel Platini-led team finally won their first European Cup in 1985; but in the most tragic of circumstances. The final against Liverpool was a mere footnote to the Heysel tragedy where 39 fans lost their lives in one of the darkest hours of football. Another 11 years later, Juventus laid hands on the European Cup for only the second time, but their win was again marred by controversy surrounding illegal drug use and doping allegations. Losing in three finals since then, Juve have mostly experienced lows, Calciopoli scandal being the major one of them, which saw them relegated for the first time in their history to Serie B. The city of Turin deserves more for their patience where they have seen Juventus rise again heroically and will be hoping that this would be their year and one which would be remembered for the right reasons.

The Bianconeri have a realistic case to believe they can reach the finals in Lisbon next year.After winning back to back domestic titles in the last two years and reaching the last-8 in the Champions league last season (bowing out to eventual winners Bayern Munich), Juventus will be eager to prove their credentials in Europe this season. Arsene Wenger recently commented-“Whoever puts Juventus among the possible surprises for the next Champions League is wrong, because Juve is not a surprise, but a strong team, which has come back to the top after a few years.” Wenger is partially correct in placing Juventus amongst the contenders for this season’s title, but The Old Lady have not yet upgraded completely from the ‘dark-horse’ status to the ‘favourites’ tag. This being their second season in Champions League after their return to the competition, the club from Turin can be excused for not being experienced as regular challengers for the much coveted European Cup.

On the other hand, with the squad they have put together this season, adding the likes of Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Angelo Ogbonna to an already strong core of the last 2 seasons, it could be considered as a failure if they don’t go past the quarters this time around. The black and white stripped team have bought smartly and quickly, addressing their main issue of lack of goals in last season which was evident in their 4-0 aggregate loss to the eventual European Champions. Carlos Tevez has been one of the steals of the transfer window, coming in at 10M euros from Manchester City. Having already agreed a deal with Athletic Bilbao last season for the free transfer of Fernando Llorente, Juve spent another 13 million Euros on Ogbonna who is destined for great things.

Juventus already have arguably the best defence in Europe with the Italian quartet of Buffon, Bonucci, Barzagli and Chiellini. They can also boast of one of the strongest midfields with the ever classy Andrea Pirlo along with Europe’s finest box-to-box midfielder Arturo Vidal. Completing the trio in the middle is Paul Pogba, the French youngster who is on his way to stardom, already replacing Claudio Marchisio in the M-V-P midfield of last season, with some strong and matured performances over the year. Marchisio, who is currently injured, adds solid strength to the squad.

In Stephan Lichtsteiner, Juve have a workhorse, who keeps marauding up and down the right wing and is one of the better players in Europe in his position. Asamoah, Pepe, Isla are decent backups and complete the midfield showcasing their depth. In attack, Tevez has already cemented his place with an impressive start (3 goals in 3 starts). Llorente was intended to be Tevez’s partner in attack in Conte’s 3-5-2 formation – the Spaniard as the penalty box striker and the Argentine as the second striker. However, Llorente struggled in pre-season, meaning that Vucinic has retained his starting role alongside Tevez. Vucinic and Tevez,both similar kind of players,who like to drop deep and link midfield with the attack,have gelled brilliantly till now and it might be a difficult battle for Llorente to dislodge either one of them . The way in which Vidal, Vucinic and Tevez combined in the 4-1 demolition of Lazio in their first home league match of the season, Juve have sent a warning to all those big powerhouses in Europe. The Italian giants can now effectively blend their strong steely defence with some fast paced, high quality and intelligent attack. Sebastien Giovinco may already be a forgotten man, but he and Quagliarella will definitely add more firepower to their attack in what is going to be a long season ahead.

Having been placed alongside Real Madrid, Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen in the group stage of the Champions League, qualification for the round of 16 looks certain for the Bianconeri. Playing the star-studded Madrid side will give a good account of Juventus’ capabilities in Europe. After their European campaign last season that was impressive in patches but disappointing overall, this season might be a good start for Juventus to reclaim their place in Europe’s elite. Conte has strengthened the squad efficiently and after conquering the domestic scene, should be able to deliver a third consecutive Scudetto despite several rival clubs having beefed up their rosters during the transfer window. He still, however, has to prove his tactical chops on the big European stage with the Juventus Stadium yet to experience those magical European nights of Turin.

It is going to be a tough and exciting season ahead for Juventus, but with all the hype again around La Decima, The Old Lady might, and ‘might’ being the keyword there, just realize their own dream of Il Terzo (the third in Italian).

Written by Dev Parikh