Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi took stock of the brewing title race between Inter and Juventus, analysing the two teams’ strengths and their coming Derby d’Italia.
The perennial rivals have started to move ahead of the pack in the Serie A table after 12 matches. The Nerazzurri sit top with 31 points and the Bianconeri are hot on their heels with 29, whilst third place Milan are trailing with 23.
The league leaders will battle it out in the first Derby d’Italia of the season after the international break, facing off at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on November 26. The two direct clashes could prove decisive in the race for the Scudetto this term.
Both clubs are desperate to secure the league title this season after watching Milan and Napoli finish top in the last two seasons. Whilst Inter have a spring in their step after last season’s Champions League run, Juventus benefit from a lack of European competition.
Writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sacchi analysed the title race this season and explained why Inter and Juventus are the likely candidates to fight for the victory.
“It is still too early to say that the fight for the Scudetto is restricted to the duel between Inter and Juve, but there are quite a few clues in this regard.
“The games are almost always decided between March and April, when the international competitions come into their own and can take away energy, but the Nerazzurri and the Bianconeri have so far demonstrated a consistency of performance that puts them ahead of the other rivals, often victims of incomprehensible stumbles and lack of attention.
“Juve, moreover, compared to Inter, have the advantage of not competing in Europe, this allows Allegri to work throughout the week with his group, avoiding long and stressful journeys.
“On November 26, when the league resumes after the break for the commitments of the national teams (by the way: go Italy!), there will be the direct clash in Turin that will not yet tell the whole truth, but will at least direct the judgement.
“Napoli, having ended the magnificent experience of the Scudetto with Spalletti, have slipped into a tunnel from which they cannot seem to emerge. The defeat against Empoli certifies the negative moment.
“However, it is also fair to congratulate the Tuscans, who played at a 1000 per hour for the entire match, just as we must praise Lecce, who against Milan always believed in the comeback. It is the revolt of the peons, and don’t take offence for those of Empoli and Lecce if I call them by this term.
“Every time I see a ‘little one’ put a ‘big one’ in trouble, I am admired and happy: it is proof that in football, and in life, nothing is impossible.
“Inter have made a counter-move on Juve and so arrive at the big duel with a slight advantage. The Bianconeri, as we well know, make defensive solidity and counter-attacking their main weapons. They do not concede anything to the spectacle, they do not look for it, they play only for the result.
And so far, it all adds up: a counter here, a goal from a set piece there, and Juve have settled into second place.
“The Nerazzurri responded by beating Frosinone, another ‘small’ side trying to play (good) football. Inter’s goal, both in Italy and in Europe, must be to dominate the pitch and keep up the pace.
“That way they can force their opponents on the defensive. In order to do this, however, Simone Inzaghi’s team must start with aggression and pressing, and then have the right timing to develop the action. The technical and athletic qualities are not lacking.
“Now it’s a matter of not moving back too far in the containment phase, bringing the rival close to your own penalty area is a danger. Finally, a few words on Marcus Thuram, an intelligent and generous striker. He has immersed himself perfectly in the Inter reality. Chapeau!”