The first instalment of this season’s highly anticipated Derby d’Italia produced a 0-0 at the San Siro on Sunday night, a result which will please the Bianconeri as they begin to show signs of consistency. The last goalless stalemate between these two sides came back in February 1999, and many would have expected a fair share of goals in Milan. However, an astute performance from the backline, coupled with some glimpses of creative genius from the likes of in-form Milos Krasic, a share of the spoils was most probably a fair result.

Iaquinta attempts to break the deadlock with acrobatic effort ©ClaudioVilla/Getty Images

Despite the Calciopoli trial still raging on off the pitch, it would have been easy for the tense atmosphere to boil over and ruin the spectacle that is the Inter v Juve derby. However, there was a genuine air of sportsmanship last night, something that both sides should be congratulated for. General manager Beppe Marotta praised the players for their professionalism and fair-play, and he now believes that this Juve side is starting to look the part and Gigi Del Neri is beginning to work his magic.

Prior to the game, most Bianconeri fans would have settled for a point. It could have been better had Vincenzo Iaquinta not been found in an offside position to tap home following Krasic’s cross or if Fabio Quagliarella had managed to beat Julio Cesar after being put through by a delightful through-ball from Claudio Marchisio. Juve also lived dangerously at times with Milito and Lucio coming close, but a welcome clean sheet coupled with a spirited performance and we are now beginning to see the real Juve.

As Serie A is put on hold for the international break, Juve welcome Lecce to Turin in Week 7, hoping to put in another solid performance and to continue to climb the table. With Inter and city-rivals AC Milan looking strong, let us hope that Juve will begin a charge to challenge Milan’s finest as the next few months will be pivotal to assess what our ambitions will be come next May.