Prediction: Juventus vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

In a showdown between two Italian icons this weekend, Juventus will welcome Inter Milan to Turin on Sunday night.

Juventus

Starting with the hosts, while Juventus might have been dealing with a string of issues behind the scenes in Turin last season, the Old Lady have come flying out of the traps this time around. Heading into November’s international break with a 2-1 victory at home against Cagliari, Massimiliano Allegri’s side have won each of their last five straight Serie A appearances on the bounce. With their stellar purple patch stemming all the way back to a 0-0 stalemate against Atalanta on October 1st, Juventus have also continued to receive plenty of praise for their new-found defensive resolve. In fact, Sunday’s hosts have shipped just a single strike in any of their previous seven domestic showdowns. Marking their return this weekend sat in pole position to claim a Champions League return this season, some around Turin are also dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine title charge. Suffering just one Serie A defeat so far this year, Juventus will be desperate to make another statement here.

Team News

All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Juventus will once again be without the likes of Alex Sandro, Mattia De Sciglio and one-time Manchester City defender Danilo. Likewise, at the heart of a major betting scandal last month, Nicolo Fagioli is currently serving a seven-match suspension.

However, despite serving a one-match suspension during Juve’s 2-1 win against Cagliari on November 11th, French international Adrien Rabiot will make a full return this weekend. Bagging a brace while away with Italy during this month’s international break, Federico Chiesa will have a leading role to play here.

Inter Milan

As for the visitors, while Inter Milan might have been disappointed after only grabbing a bronze medal finish last season, the Nerazzurri find themselves tipped as a leading title contender this time around. Marking their return from November’s international break holding a two-point buffer over the chasing pack, Simone Inzaghi’s side are riding a major wave of momentum. Heading into the fortnight interval with a routine 2-0 victory against Frosinone at the San Siro, Inter Milan have won each of their previous six appearances across all formats. Enjoying another Champions League romp this year and already breezing their way to the knockout stage, Sunday’s gusts will also be excited by their most recent showdown against Juve. Picking up a gritty 1-0 victory when they welcomed their fellow Italian icons to Milan back on April 26th, the former Lazio boss will certainly be calling on a repeat performance this weekend.

Team News

Despite only making the move from German giants Bayern Munich over the summer, French defender Benjamin Pavard is not expected to feature again until the New Year after sustaining a knee injury. Likewise, ex-Juventus defender Juan Cuadrado remains on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an Achilles tendon blow.

Enjoying what has been a remarkable free-scoring romp this season and notching 12 goals in as many Serie A appearances this season, attacking talisman Lautaro Martinez will spearhead Inter Milan’s charge in Turin. The Argentina international will be joined in the final third by 26-year-old Marcus Thuram.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two Italian giants last met back on April 26th, Inter Milan picked up a 1-0 victory at the San Siro.
• Both of Sunday’s opponents have suffered just a single Serie A defeat from their first 12 domestic appearances this season.
• The Old Lady have shipped just a single strike in any of their previous seven Serie A showdowns.
• Argentina international Lautaro Martinez has scored 12 goals in as many Serie A appearances this season.
• Each of the last four meetings between Juventus and Inter Milan have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While we might have a showdown between two Italian icons this weekend, chances could come at a real premium in Turin. Separate by just a pair of points in the Serie A standings, both of Sunday’s opponents have continued to gain a reputation for their rugged performances at the back. Along with Juve shipping just a single goal in their last seven top-flight appearances, it is worth noting that the Nerazzurri have conceded just one domestic goal away from the San Siro so far this season. With each of the last four meetings between Juventus and Inter Milan finishing with under 2.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome at the Allianz here.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster