The second Derby d’Italia for the season may not have the same significance on the top of the Serie A standings, however talk to both Inter Milan and Juventus you will quickly understand how much Italy’s two most successful clubs have to play for.
In the lead-up to November’s first edition of the derby, Inter were in the midst of an incredible winning streak under Andrea Stramaccioni and were closing the gap on the early league leaders.
Meanwhile, the Bianconeri was not only looking to consolidate first place but to mark somewhat of a milestone in a fifty game unbeaten streak.
It turned out to be an incredible upset in Turin, Inter winning 3-1 and ensuring Juventus’ streak would be forever capped at forty-nine.
As edition two approaches, both clubs find themselves in significantly different positions. While Juventus remain top, they have fought off the likes of Inter, AC and Napoli to extend the lead to nine points, with one hand on a twenty-ninth Scudetto.
Meanwhile, the Nerazzuri’s exploits have seemingly plummeted since the Derby win, amassing only five wins in seventeen matches and sliding out of the Champions League positions.
This time Inter will claim home ground advantage and will be hoping their impressive Europa League comeback against Tottenham, despite bowing out in extra time, will be the start of an end of season run.
The home side could also be boosted from Walter Samuel making a much needed return to the Nerazzuri defensive line-up after a long stint on the sidelines.
And any possible return for the ‘wall’ will not be made easy with the likes of Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo looking to play through the Inter defence.
Rodrigo Palacio, one of Inter’s few shining lights of 2013, will need to take advantage of any opportunities in what could be a tight game, where the likes of Fredy Guarin will look to create that one bit of magic which may prove decisive.
You could possibly justify that Inter are in greater need of the three points, desperate to stick with Napoli and city rivals, Milan, in the race for the top three.
However, there is very little substitute for confidence and this is something that Juventus will hold as an advantage over their inconsistent and as far as 2013 is concerned, unimpressive rivals.
With the mid-week Champions League Quarter finals looming, Inter will hope Antonio Conte has one eye on Bayern Munich.
It is likely that Giorgio Chiellini, given his ankle problems, will not be risked for the derby while Mirko Vucinic may also be a notable absentee.
With all circumstances aside, the Derby d’Italia still looms as one of the Serie A matches of the season. Let’s hope the game lives up to the expectations just as Derby number one did.
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Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
So, one a piece it ends for the season's Derby d'Italia's, with both sides claiming a win away from home. Nov 11, 2012: Juventus 1 - Inter 3 (Vidal, Milito x2, Palacio) Mar 30, 2013: Inter 1 - Juventus 2 (Quagliarella, Palacio, Matri)
Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
It will be hard for Stramaccioni to take positives in a difficult defeat however the team did perform admirably in sections of the game. Inter now fall to sixth position, with Lazio grabbing three points at home to Fiorentina. Inter's chances at a top three finish is becoming increasingly difficult.
Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
Conte's side continue to tighten their grip on a twenty-ninth Scudetto, moving 12 points clear at the top, with Napoli yet to play their away match to Torino.
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Roar Guru
Antonio Conte is out celebrating with his players, the Derby win clearly means a lot to the Old Lady. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
FULLTIME, as Cambiasso makes a lunge in on Giovinco, seemingly collecting with his ankle and receives a red card! Controversial finish, with Cambiasso having somewhat of a brain explosion. Not something you would expect from the experienced Argentinian.
Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
90+4' - The ball is played out, however Inter grab a free-kick, Handanovic staying up inside the box. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
90+4' - Handanovic up for an Inter corner here, as they go for broke. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
90' - Giovinco given a yellow for a challenge on Chivu, as Inter continue to press, be it without any danger on goal. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
89' - Nothing comes from the free, as Inter push forward again. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
88' - Giovinco on the break is brought down solidly by the 'wall', Walter Samuel, a free-kick on teh halfway line for Juve. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
88' - Cambiasso takes this one, with Juventus claiming back possession. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
87' - Guarin goes down in almost the exact same place for Inter this time, awarde the freekick out on the right hand side of the box. Cassano swings it in, deflected for another corner.
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Roar Guru
86' - Pirlo takes, however a freekick is given to Inter, with a foul seen in the box. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
85' Giovinco goes down under a Chivu challenge to claim a freekick on the right wing. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
80' - Stramaccioni throws on another striker in thirty-five year old summer signing, Tommaso Rocchi. Yet to gain any significant game-time at Inter, this seems a desperate move from Stramaccioni. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
79' - Palacio and Casano with a nice bit of play going forward, exchanging balls into the box to force a corner. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
78' - Inter again building pressure only to give the ball away as Guarin plays a poor ball through. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
77' - Inter build some pressure in Juve's half, however amounts to nothing as the ball rolls out for a goal kick. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
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Roar Guru
75' Stramaccioni having some heated discussions with the fourth official, clearly not happy with those denied penalty decisions. Inter 1 – Juventus 2
Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
73' - Inter on the break sees Palacio play through to Cassano who tries to find some room for a shot however loses possession, before falling over the challenge and claiming a penalty. Nothing seemingly there. Inter 1 – Juventus 2