ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Juventus FC - The Derby d'Italia

The Derby d'Italia - Can we catch Inter?

Posted by Sumeet Paul on 11/29/2009

As we enter Week 15 of the Serie A season, it is a familiar name that leads the pack at the top of the table. Chasing their ‘18th’ Scudetto success, the Nerazzuri find themselves eight points clear of the Bianconeri. With the Derby d’Italia fast approaching, can we, or anyone for that matter, catch Jose Mourinho’s men?

As has been the case in Italy over the past few years, Internazionale continue to dominate the domestic scene. As notorious under-achievers on the European circuit, they have found themselves able to hide their failure in the Champions League amongst Europe’s elite with numerous league titles. However, in what is believed to be the year that Juventus have finally amassed a squad capable of challenging for the title, the contest between the Italian heavyweights is well under way.

This time next weekend the two titans will clash at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. With Inter having snatched all three points this weekend at home to Fiorentina, will Juve be able to overcome the leaders when the Champions come to town? I sincerely hope so, as this in my opinion is THE game of the season.

The incredibly frustrating loss to Cagliari this weekend has left our title challenge in tatters, and so the outcome of what is well-known as the ‘Derby of Italy’, may seal the fortunes of both sides. If Inter travel home with all three points and those smug expressions etched all over their faces, they will stretch the lead to 11 points. If Ciro Ferrara can mastermind a victory over opposite number Jose ‘The Special One’ Mourinho, then the lead will be cut back to a manageable 5 points, and provide a much-needed confidence boost.

The Final Word

With the Christmas break around the corner, Juve must not fail next Saturday night. A draw will not be enough. I fear that if the gap between the two sides grows any further, despite a resurgent AC Milan, it will be a formality that Inter will once again lift the Scudetto come next May. Having shown their determination and grit to grind out results not just this season but also in those previous, the Nerazzurri will not surrender an 11 point lead. Unlike the EPL or La Liga, where the top sides seem to be in danger of dropping points most weekends, the ruthless efficiency that Mourinho has instilled in his side will see them avoid any catastrophic slip-ups over the course of the season. So...Signor Ferrara, buona fortuna...you will need it.

Comments

Posted by Jo on 11/30/2009

it was painful to see Juve stumble this past weeks, few unconvincing wins by 1 goal margin and now, lost to cagliari, whom Juve dominated through the match. closing down to half season and we're 8 points behind Inter, who consistently getting results every weekend, we need to get a hold of ourselves.

Posted by juve on 11/30/2009

Absolutely a disgrace on part of our defense and our midfield. Diego has proven nothing and (dare I say it) seems a waste of money with the promise he came with in the beginning. We need to play woith two strikers. Diego has to be accomodated some other way. It's not working anyhow.
I think Juventus will win by a tight margin against Inter at home next Saturday. I hope at least

Posted by Gyong on 12/01/2009

Juve's latest displays have definitely been under par. But Italian media is far too impatient; with so many new starting players (Diego, Melo, Grosso, Cannavaro), and a new coach and tactical system, Juve need time to gel. This season so far has shown that a team can't be created in the blink of an eye - thus, the final verdict should only come next year. The best teams in Europe have always emerged from a core group of players who get the opportunity to play together for a long time (see Barcelona, ManUtd, Chelsea)...

Posted by JuveZim on 12/02/2009

@Juve, I do agree with you to some extent that by changing our system to suit Diego, we might have had sacrificed what other players can bring to the team.

No matter how good a player is, he cannot always carry the day for his team consistently for more than 45 games in a season and we need other player's contribution as much as we need Diego's. I am for the idea of two strikers upfront as well and cant wait for Iaquinta and Trez to come back

It is lovely to see Del P. back though. quite refreshing.

Posted by Ras on 12/03/2009

It's a pity that Juventus lost to Cagliari last Sunday. I would have loved the lead to be closer at the top when Inter came visiting but it's not to be. There's still some way to go in the league title to be handed out so even if Inter do win the game on Saturday, I would not write off Juve or Milan.

Posted by Sal on 12/03/2009

I'd have to agree with what's being written - to a point. There is a lot wrong with the team and there is definately room for improvement, however, there is a good foundation with young players that can make a difference in the coming years - sissoko, marchisio, de ceglie and even diego (25). Patience is not a virtue for us Juve fans who have winning in our blood. But there is a reality in all this - Inter have spent 100x what Juve has spent ot build their team. As Capello said, Inter have the luxury of refining their team while Juve are still building. But I don't think THIS is the game. Yes it will be a confidence boost but our season truly lies on the result on Tuesday. A loss to Bayern will not only cost the team money but leaves them lingering an entire season without a worthy championship to chase.

Posted by juve storia di un grande amore on 12/06/2009

Yea, sumeet paul
we can watch Inter lose 2-1 to Juventus in the derby d'italia. Absolutely deserved win for Juventus. mArchisio was the best player in the game alongside Caceres,Diego,and Chiellini. Amuri underperformed as usual as he's done all season so far. Eto'o's goal was completely lucky and poor defending and marking from our part.

Post your comment

Name:

Email Address:

Comments:

characters left