Prediction: Juventus vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Juventus

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Serie A leaders Juventus will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record when they lock horns with third-placed Inter Milan in Derby D’Italia which has been described as the highlight match of round 15 of the Italian top flight.

Juventus

Bianconeri have set a frenetic pace in the Serie A this season by raking up record 40 points after the first 14 games in the league. Reigning champions will be looking to maintain the tempo and remain unbeaten as they prepare to play host to Inter Milan on Friday night.

Juventus have yet to lose to Nerazzurri since 2012 and with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in flying form they will be hoping to gain a valuable advantage over the improving Inter. With five assists and 10 goals to his name, former Real Madrid forward became the fastest player in Juventus’ history to reach double digits in goals. Having missed out on this year’s Ballon d’Or award, Ronaldo will only be more motivated to extend his rich vein of form and help his team record another important victory. With Cristiano Ronaldo hungrier than ever it is the entire Juventus team who are benefitting from his desire as they pursue another Serie A title and the Champions League glory this season.

Team News

Andrea Barzaghi is suffering from a thigh injury and will not be able to help his team against Inter, whereas Emre Can and Sami Khedira remain ruled out as well.

Alex Sandro has experienced some muscle problems and is expected to miss the Inter Milan test.

Inter Milan

Third-placed Inter Milan travel to Turin hoping to catch the high-flying leaders off guard and maintain the challenge for the runners-up place currently held up by Napoli. The Nerazzurri are three points behind the Partenopei in the standings and the eventual triumph over Juventus would bring plenty of excitement to the top-four chase.

Despite the fact they only won one of their last five matches across all competitions, Inter Milan will be encouraged by their fine form of late which saw them lose only once in their last ten league games. Luciano Spalletti has done a great job stabilizing the squad and getting the best out of the players at his disposal this season. Inter Milan are a force to be reckoned with but the hosts will have to pay special attention to their captain, Mauro Icardi. The Argentine forward has been in sublime form this term and will be the one to watch with the visiting side. Icardi scored eight goals in 9 Serie A outings and will be eager to extend the tally. Having already scored 30% of Inter’s goals this season, Icardi has also shown incredible leadership characteristics and has emerged as the face of the club.

Team News

Radja Nainggolan is still recovering from an ankle injury and will be out of contention for the Friday’s fixture.

Henrique Dalbert is another name on the injury list as the Brazilian defender has yet to recover from his calf injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Juventus have yet to suffer a defeat after 14 Serie A games
• Bianconeri last lost to Nerazzurri in 2012
• Inter Milan won only one of their last five matches in all competitions
• Nerazzurri have yet to score a single goal in Turin in last 4 visits
• Cristiano Ronaldo is the fastest Juventus player to score 10 goals for the club

Conclusion

Juventus are going through a purple patch at the moment and will be keen to maintain the high tempo in Derby D’Italia as well. Inter Milan are a force to be reckoned with this season but the hosts are relying on their favourable head-to-head record which keeps Nerrazzurri winless in Turin since 2012.

Verdict: Juventus

Best Odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: 888sport