Serie A 2018/19 Tactical Analysis: Inter vs Juventus

The Derby d’Italia is highly anticipated matchup between two of the strongest clubs in Serie A. In the first edition of this derby earlier in the season, Juventus secured a 1-0 home victory over Inter. Coming into this match, Juventus has already been knocked out of the Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League, and has already claimed their eighth scudetto. They have little left to play for, but Massimiliano Allegri wants to make sure his side finish the season strong.

Inter are hoping to secure Champions League football for next season and came into this match in third place. A victory would leave them almost certain of playing in Europe’s premier club competition next season. With Atalanta and Roma still chasing them, and a four-point lead over the fifth-place side, they control their fate if they can keep picking up points.

Inter were on the front foot from kick-off, and they opened up Juventus several times in the first 20 minutes. Radja Nainggolan scored in the seventh minute with a volley so cool you thought he was going to light a cigarette at the corner flag. With the strength of Inter’s attack, the only disappointment was their inability to build on their lead. As the first half went on, Juventus improved and started to present more of an attacking threat. They were also able to do a better job at breaking up Inter’s build-up.

After half-time, Juventus continued to attack. It seemed inevitable that they would score, and the goal came in the 62^nd minute from Cristiano Ronaldo. After this, both sides presented sporadic attacking threats, but it was primarily a display of solid defending. Splitting the points at 1-1 might have seemed a fair result, but Inter could have taken all three if they had been able to convert their numerous chances in the first half.

Lineup

Luciano Spalletti’s side lined up in the 4-2-3-1 that has become their standard formation. He made two changes to the side that drew 1-1 at home to Roma a week earlier, but they were critical players. Marcelo Brozović returned from injury and took up his key central midfield role, with Borja Valero being dropped to the bench. Up front, Mauro Icardi got to lead the line instead of Lautaro Martínez.

After a 2-1 victory at home against Fiorentina, Allegri only made one change. Giorgio Chiellini returned to the starting line-up for the first time since 2 April. With his return, Daniele Rugani dropped to the bench. With Mario Mandžukić still missing with injury, Federico Bernardeschi paired with Cristiano Ronaldo up front.