Gianluca Vialli analyses Inter v Juventus, including “Paulo Dybala is the new Carlos Tevez” and “Roberto Mancini is more zen.”
The Derby d’Italia kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Juventus certainly have more at stake, but a defeat would be a heavy blow for either side,” Vialli told Tuttosport.
Gianluca Vialli analyses Inter v Juventus, including “Paulo Dybala is the new Carlos Tevez” and “Roberto Mancini is more zen.”
The Derby d’Italia kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Juventus certainly have more at stake, but a defeat would be a heavy blow for either side,” Vialli told Tuttosport.
“It wouldn’t necessarily be a massive drop down the table for Inter, but it would be a psychological issue. They haven’t beaten Juve since 2010 and this is probably their best chance to end that streak.
“On the other hand, if Juve were to lose, in my view they’d be definitively out of the Scudetto race and not just because of the standings. Until recently they invoked terror in their opponents even before stepping on to the pitch, but they’re losing that now.
“After four consecutive Scudetti, it is possible to feel sated, but above all those who haven’t had a bite for four years can be quicker to grab what’s on the table. Having said that, Juve have the new players who want to prove they’re up to the job.
“In my view, Dybala can be the new Tevez. He has the skills, physique, runs hard, works for the team and never makes it feel as if there are 10 men on the field. I saw the light in his eyes that only champions have. Along with technical quality, he has a sense of teamwork, and that makes the difference.”
With Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio now back from injury, Max Allegri will finally get to use his first choice midfield.
“You cannot replace Andrea Pirlo on the market, so you have to change your way of playing,” continued Vialli.
“Juve are doing that, developing a system that will be used by most of the big European teams in a couple of years.
“Juventus and Fiorentina are at the vanguard: they use a hybrid tactical method that highlights the individual quality, even changing tactically during the course of a single move.”
Vialli is no stranger to Inter Coach Mancini, as they were the ‘goal twins’ at Sampdoria and remain lifelong friends.
“He is becoming more zen and therefore also sharper in dealing with situations. Working abroad helped him. I see him now with ever clearer ideas and a natural command of champions in the locker room. Inter don’t have their identity yet, but it’s just a matter of time.
“As for Allegri, you can see his mark on Juve more than Mancini’s at Inter. The Bianconeri enjoy technique and individual brilliance. When he was a player, there used to be some legendary stories about him…”