Two players in particular will look to light up this weekend’s Derby d’Italia – Inter captain Lautaro Martinez and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.
The two clubs are gearing up for the most important head-to-head clash in recent years, with just a point separating the two rivals at the top of the Serie A table. The Nerazzurri do have a game in hand, however, which could come into play later down the line.
The majority of both squads are available for the Derby d’Italia; the only absentees are Inter’s Juan Cuadrado and Juventus duo Moise Kean and Mattia De Sciglio, with Arkadiusz Milik suspended following his red card in the draw with Empoli.
The flavours of success the two teams have tasted in Serie A this term differ – Inter’s campaign has bounced between convincing wins and chaotic moments, whilst Juventus have played out a quieter season featuring controlled victories and moments of indecisiveness.
The stars of the Nerazzurri and Bianconeri have both had differing seasons as well, with one flying high after years of consistent growth and the other finally starting to find his footing after a long period of inconsistency.
Lautaro has worn the captain’s armband with pride at Inter this season, playing a leading role in their charge to the Scudetto. The Argentine striker has scored 19 goals in 19 league games this season, being the focal point of Simone Inzaghi’s system.
The underlying numbers prove Lautaro to be one of the most preeminent centre forwards in world football this season, standing out in all the areas where it counts. This term, the 26-year-old has averaged 0.96 goals per 90 minutes, 3.55 shots per 90, 2.88 progressive passes per 90 and 0.58 xG per 90.
Not only is the Argentinian striker lethal when in the penalty area, he’s also able to help progress forward play and ensure his teammates get in on the action as well. His ability to intercept the ball and find the space for shots highlight his natural hunger on the pitch.
In comparison, Vlahovic’s story at Juventus has taken a different path. Now two years after his high-profile circa €80m transfer from Fiorentina, the Serbian striker has finally started to prove his qualities under Massimiliano Allegri and has started to prove a point this month.
The 24-year-old forward has scored 12 goals in 20 league games this season, with six of these coming in the last four consecutive league games.
Despite scoring less than his Inter counterpart, the underlying numbers show Vlahovic has still had a strong season at Juventus this term. He’s averaged 0.75 goals per 90, 4.35 shots per 90, 0.50 xG per 90 and 6.53 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90.
The Serbian striker has shown himself confident and controlled when under pressure in the final third, able to ping shots away despite difficult circumstances, and has looked prolific after escaping the period of bad form he suffered after the start of the campaign.
In comparison to Lautaro, Vlahovic does play less of a role in build-up play, averaging just 1.84 progressive passes per 90, and he’s also less involved in defensive play, mostly remaining isolated at the top of the pitch.
In the coming Derby d’Italia, Lautaro will likely play a starring role in the clash at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, looking to inspire his teammates and lead the frontline to victory. Vlahovic, on the other hand, will look to pounce at the right opportunity, waiting to punish any Inter mistake in their defensive third.
Words: @ApolloHeyes