Sparks will fly in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg between Inter and Juventus, a game that’s set to be one of the fieriest Derby d’Italia matches in recent memory, Apollo Heyes writes.
The first leg in Turin earlier this month was a typically tense test for both sides, a match that finished 1-1 thanks to goals from Juan Cuadrado and Romelu Lukaku, two players keenly involved in the controversy.
Lukaku was racially abused by a number of Juventus fans during the match and after scoring his 95th minute penalty, he was shown a second yellow card for a ‘provocative celebration’, a decision that did not sit well considering both the abuse and the fact that it was one of his regular celebrations.
His ban for the second leg was initially confirmed before FIGC president Gabriele Gravina intervened to overturn it, likely trying to save face after the condemnation from the wider footballing community.
Cuadrado and Samir Handanovic were both also sent off in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals, having an on-pitch brawl after tensions reached a boiling point.
With the two teams ready to take revenge in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals, tempers will likely flare again at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, being a must-win game for both.
For Inter, serious questions are being asked about Inzaghi after the team’s inconsistency in Serie A this season, having lost 11 of their 31 outings. The Nerazzurri now sit 6th in the league table and are at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification.
What’s helped Inzaghi keep his job is the European front. Inter have progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they’ll face inter-city rivals Milan in one of the most important Derby della Madonnina clashes in decades, and this has bought him time.
Even with this Champions League success, however, Inzaghi’s position is still not secure at Inter, so bringing home a trophy in the form of the Coppa Italia could be the difference maker.
For Juventus, it’s fair to say that most fans consider this season a write-off. Massimiliano Allegri’s side were a disaster in the Champions League, crashing out in the group stages, and their off-pitch legal issues have overshadowed proceedings in Turin, generating a widespread mood of defensive anxiety.
The Old Lady’s appeal to CONI was partially successful, temporarily giving them back the 15 points they were deducted back in January, but this may not prove to be particularly beneficial considering UEFA’s own parallel investigation, something that could result in Champions League exclusion.
Although things are looking good in the Europa League, a Coppa Italia victory would do wonders for improving the mood amongst Juventus and their supporters, bringing a modicum of joy back to the Piedmont capital after a long and tiring season.
With the stage set, Inter and Juventus are now ready to put it all on the line as they fight for a spot in the Coppa Italia final, where they’ll face the winner of Fiorentina-Cremonese.