Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
One of the most important derbies in Serie A history will live another chapter this Sunday, as Inter Milan will host Juventus at Giuseppe Meazza. This match could already be decisive on the title race as well. The winner would move clear at the top of the standings, but Inter could create a four-point gap with their rivals should they keep the three points at home. Kick-off for this match is slated at 19:45 hrs BST.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan have been struggling in the UEFA Champions League, as they are yet to win a European match this term (D1, L1) following their 2-1 away loss at Barcelona this past Tuesday. However, Antonio Conte’s men have looked impressive in Serie A play since they are enjoying their best start to a league campaign since the 1966/67 season after winning each of their first six league matches. Undoubtedly, this great run of results have Inter at the top of the standings, although they can’t get complacent. They only own a two-point lead over the second-placed side – their opponents in this match, Juventus. Inter should be confident ahead of this match, though, if their recent form is anything to go by. The Nerazzurri side has kept a clean sheet in four of their six league matches so far, and have won ‘to nil’ in 11 of their last 13 Serie A home wins.
Team News
Inter could be weakened on the attacking end ahead of this match. Romelu Lukaku has been listed as injury, while Alexis Sanchez is suspended following his red card last week.
The rest of the side, however, should be fit and available.
Juventus
The reigning Serie A champions Juventus have started the season on top form, and a lackluster draw against 0-0 draw against Fiorentina last September is the only reason why they don’t sit at the top of the standings with a perfect record just like their opponents in this match. Unlike Inter, however, Juventus have been playing at a very high level across all competitions and are coming off a solid 3-0 home win over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week. Juventus are undefeated in competitive matches this season (W6, D2) and have kept a clean sheet four times, including each of their last two games. They are W2, D2 on the road so far this season, although they have conceded in each of their last two outings away from Juventus Stadium. They need to tighten things up at the back if they want to get a positive result here.
Team News
Giorgio Chiellini (knee ligament), Marko Pjaca (knee) and Mattia Perin (shoulder) are all long-term absentees for The Old Lady.
Douglas Costa (muscle), Danilo (thigh) and Mattia De Sciglio (thigh) are all out as well.
Key Factors to Consider
- Three of the last four Serie A meetings between these two sides has produced under 2.5 goals in total.
- Inter Milan have won each of their first six Serie A matches this term. They are also undefeated in their last eight home league matches dating back to last season (W5, D3).
- Juventus are riding a four-game winning streak in all competitions. Over that span, they have scored nine goals while conceding just twice.
- Whoever wins this game will move to the top of the Serie A standings. Inter sit at the top with 18 points, while Juventus are in second place with 16.
- Juventus are undefeated in their four away competitive matches this term (W2, D2). The last two games of that category have witnessed over 2.5 goals in total.
Conclusion
Four of Juventus’ last five matches in all competitions, as well as Inter’s last two, have featured at least three total goals.
Even if that has been the case in only one of their four previous competitive meetings, expect this contest to feature at least three goals.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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