In a thrilling Derby d’Italia, Inter Milan cemented its lead in Serie A. The Nerazzurri won 3-2 against Juventus Turin, which fought hard against defeat despite being a man down early on.
Three places and twelve points separated leaders Inter from fourth-placed Juve ahead of the Derby d’Italia. A significant difference, but one that had not mattered in the first leg. The Bianconeri had won 4-3 in a dramatic game that had seen Thuram score for both sides.
This was not to be repeated on Saturday evening, when Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti was unable to field the younger Thuram, Kephren. The Frenchman was injured in the 2-2 draw with Lazio Rome and was replaced by Miretti. Kelly and Francisco Conceicao also came on for Koopmeiners and Cabal.
No shot, one goal
Despite, or perhaps because of, the personnel and tactical adjustments, the visitors got off to a good start at the Guiseppe Meazza and looked more impressive in the first quarter of an hour – until Inter took the lead without creating a chance of their own. Luis Henriques’ low cross was deflected into his own net by Cambiaso, with Di Gregorio looking anything but comfortable – 1-0 (17′).
However, Christian Chivu’s home team did not take control of the game. Barella, who started in place of Mkhitaryan after the 5-0 win at Sassuolo, and his teammates were faced with a lot more Turin efforts to equalize, which led to success after McKennie’s header (21′) by Cambiaso of all people (26′).
Yellow card after double post
A lively game ensued. Yildiz tested Sommer (30′), Zielinski’s lob lacked a bit of pace (35′) – before things got really spectacular again shortly before half-time: Within a few moments, Di Gregorio first made a magnificent save against Thuram’s header, then Bastoni’s follow-up was denied by both inside posts, and Juve were suddenly down to ten men (42′). Kalulu, who had already been booked, briefly extended his arm against Bastoni. It was slight contact, but the Milan player made the most of it. However, being a man down did not cause the game to tip in favor of the Nerazzurri. In fact, it was Turin who had the best chance to take the lead after the restart. McKennie missed the opportunity after Cambiaso’s long-range shot (51′).
Juventus strikes back once again – but still loses
As the game progressed, Inter took control, while Juve’s energy waned. It took until the 76th minute, however, before substitute Esposito, a product of the club’s youth academy, headed home to give Inter the lead, after Di Gregorio in goal had made a number of impressive saves. But Juventus had an answer to that too, with Locatelli equalizing seven minutes later (83′).
But the league leaders had an answer once again: after Bisseck’s lay-off, Zielinski fired a long-range shot into the corner, wrong-footing Di Gregorio (90′). The celebrations were then unrestrained, as Juventus threw everything forward in added time but failed to score again.
Inter, now 15 points ahead of their guests in the table, face Bodö/Glimt in the Champions League play-offs on Wednesday at 9 p.m. The day before, Juve will be guests at Galatasaray Istanbul at the same time.