2006 World Cup winner Luca Toni looked ahead to the upcoming duel between Dusan Vlahovic and Lautaro Martinez in the fast-approaching Derby d’Italia, believing both could make the difference.
The two rivals sit at the top of the league table after 12 matches, with the Nerazzurri holding a slight two-point advantage over the Bianconeri. Their first game back after the international break is the derby at the Allianz Stadium, a game that could have huge ramifications for the title race.
Inter have looked almost unstoppable after their Champions League run last term and have maintained this pace this term, but Juventus’ lack of European competition could make the difference in the long run for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
Speaking on page eight of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Toni first discussed the qualities of Inter talisman Lautaro.
“Lautaro Martinez is increasingly a leader and goalscorer. And Inter’s luck is that in Europe they still don’t consider him on par with other top players and haven’t taken him away with huge offers…”
He was asked if Juventus had any problems up front.
“There are four of them – Vlahovic, Chiesa, Kean, Milik – and all very strong. I think it’s the least of Max Allegri’s problems, their goals will come.”
The former striker gave his thoughts on Vlahovic’s form at Juventus and if he can still score 20 goals a season.
“When he came on against Fiorentina and Cagliari, he seemed calm to me, this is an excellent starting point, especially because lately Kean has always been the starter.
“Moise, aside from the fact that he didn’t score by a matter of centimetres, did well. But I remain convinced that Dusan can still score 20 goals because strikers like him, when they take off, are capable of scoring four or five goals in a week.
“He needs a spark, maybe when the break ends, he’ll decide the derby and turn his season around.”
Toni spoke about if Lautaro would finish as top scorer this season.
“It’s long, but let’s say he put the arrow in it. What is most impressive about Lautaro, beyond his shots, is his leadership. He is a leader. And what a nice surprise Thuram.”
He was asked if either team would regret not signing Romelu Lukaku in the summer.
“Romelu is a great centre forward, a certainty. But both Inter and Juve were right to focus on younger attackers, also for the future.”
The former striker predicted the coming Derby d’Italia.
“Inter are stronger, at least on paper. Allegri can play well or badly, those are also feelings, but so far he is doing something exceptional in terms of results.
“If Juve are second, it is because the coach is making the most of the characteristics of the players available. Let’s not forget the disqualifications of Pogba and Fagioli.”
Finally, Toni discussed if this match means more for Inter or Juventus.
“Inzaghi has had exponential growth in recent years, he has withstood the knocks and reached the Champions League final.
“His Inter are strong and aware, if they win and go to five ahead, they will go on the run like Napoli last year and can ‘kill’ the league. But if Juve triumph, Allegri overtakes and scares the Nerazzurri.”