The Hard Tackle lists three players who can positively impact the proceedings when Juventus and Inter Milan clash on Sunday.
Matchday 13 of the 2023/24 Serie A season continues on Sunday before it rounds off on Monday. The action tonight will end with Derby d’Italia, as Juventus and Inter Milan lock horns at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus and Inter Milan have been a part of a legendary rivalry over the years. Christened the Derby d’Italia due to the heated competition between the two clubs, this is one of the derbies that do not stem from a duel between two clubs hailing from the same city.
The last few years have seen the two clubs wage battles without having much on the line except pride. But Sunday’s fixture will pit two teams that will likely go all the way in the race to win the Serie A title. These sides are perched atop the table, with only two points separating them heading into the clash at the Allianz Stadium.
As is often the case in derbies, the margin for error is threadbare. So, individual brilliance can tip the scales in one team’s favour. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle lists three players who can singlehandedly influence the clash between Juventus and Inter Milan at the Allianz Stadium this weekend.
Adrien Rabiot
“I am happy to wear the captains armband, especially when you consider this clubs history! Renewal? We’ll talk about that later…” #Rabiot pic.twitter.com/MaYyAAWbVg
— 🎥 The AJC 🏳️🏴 (@The_AJC_) November 22, 2023
The onus will be on the attackers to make their mark and deliver the goods for their teams. But before we get to the strikers, we start our list with a player who has turned his fortunes around in the last 12 months. We are talking about Adrien Rabiot.
The French international was out of favour with Didier Deschamps a few years ago while failing to stamp his authority at Juventus. But he has become a pivotal figure for the Bianconeri in the last 12 months. But Rabiot’s future is uncertain, as he has entered the final year of his contract with the Turin club.
High-profile clubs have noticed the situation, with Arsenal, Barcelona, Newcastle United, and Manchester United interested in him. But amid the speculation surrounding Rabiot’s future, he remains focused on the job at hand on the pitch.
The 28-year-old has become one of the leaders on the pitch for Juventus, donning the armband in a few games. He needs to bring those qualities to the field on Sunday and hold the fort in the middle of the park. With Juventus chasing Inter Milan in the title race, Rabiot’s performance can keep the table-toppers at bay.
Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro Martinez’ has alone scored two more Serie A goals than Juventus top three scorers in this season:
Martinez – 12 goals
Vlahovic (4), Chiesa (4) and Milik (2) = 10 goals.
— F.C. InterData (@Fcinterdata) November 26, 2023
We now move on to the strikers, whose outputs will be the difference between three points and none for their teams. Meanwhile, the leadership trend continues, with Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez arriving on the list.
The Argentine international has inherited the armband from Samir Handanovic after the Slovenian goalkeeper called time on his career. The added responsibility has galvanised the in-form striker, who has gone from strength to strength in the first half of the 2023/24 season.
The 26-year-old is by far the top scorer in Serie A this season, with nearest challenger Olivier Giroud five goals behind him. So, with goals coming at the quickest pace of his career, Martinez will back himself to extend his run and condemn Juventus to a crushing defeat in the context of the title race.
So, Martinez will hold the key for Inter Milan as they look to widen the gap between them and Juventus at the top of the table. But if he does not rise to the occasion, the Bianconeri will likely run away with more than a point on Sunday.
Federico Chiesa
Chiesa makes everything look easy pic.twitter.com/NKurPPDAvr
— Black&White🦓 (@Jfamily3502) November 25, 2023
Our list ends with another attacker, although we have not gone ahead with a striker from the away side. Moise Kean and Dusan Vlahovic will be eager to make their mark on the game on Sunday. But our final pick is Federico Chiesa.
The Italian international has resurrected his career after a horrific last 12 months that saw injuries and substandard form impact him. But with Chiesa now fully fit and regaining his sharpness, he has become a pivotal figure for Juventus and his national team.
The 26-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of high-profile clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United. As for matters on the pitch, Chiesa’s directness and boisterous runs can rattle the Inter Milan defenders. In addition, he will also provide a goal threat, with Kean and Vlahovic supporting him.
