After seeming the stronger of the two sides, Inter Milan ended tonights Derby d’Italia victorious. It is safe to say that this was the first game all season for Frank de Boer, where his side looked dangerous, let alone victorious. Inter’s only other win this year came with two late goals in Pescara, where the Milan giants were thoroughly outmatched tactically, yet someone got 2 late goals to win 2-1. Sunday the scoreline was similar to that Pescara game, but not much else.
Juve, on the other hand has looked strong in the early part of the season, and would considered heavy favorites Sunday. Despite losing Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata, Juve have made a good early start, compared to last years disastrous start, and strong finish. The Turin side was undefeated until this point, winning 3 in league, and drawing Sevilla in the Champions League. On the flipside, Inter lost against lowly Hapoel Be’er in the Europa league, looking utterly lost. Sunday was a fresh start for Inter, showing some of the quality that they possess, while for Juve a huge disappointment, losing against struggling rivals.
Juventino wingback Stephan Lichtsteiner opened the scoring in the second half, after a great cross behind the Inter defense by Alex Sandro. The left sided defender looked trapped on the left sideline, but used pace to knock the ball past an Inter defender and whip in a perfect cross, where Lichtsteiner couldn’t miss.
Inter equalized from a corner kick, which surprisingly had been a struggle for Juventus so far this season, despite rugged defenders Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Medhi Benatia (later subbed for the timeless Andrea Barzagli.) Ever Banega put the ball on a platter in front of Gigi Buffon’s goal from the set piece. It was who else but Mauro Icardi who leapt above everyone else to head the ball into the far corner. The Argentine has a strong record against Juventus, scoring 7 goals in 9 games.
Inter then took the lead from a goal by Ivan Perisic. Buffon came out to make an initial breakaway save on Icardi, who stuck with the ball, turning with it on the right side of the end line. He wasn’t closed down properly and got his head up to pick out a pass. His outside of the boot cross was put on a dime for Perisic at the back post, who leapt up to head the ball into the far corner for the winner.
Inter play at Empoli next Wednesday at 2:45 EST, Juve host Cagliari at the same date and time.
